French cable systems designer and manufacturer Nexans has achieved a groundbreaking engineering milestone by installing a 500 kV high-voltage subsea power cable at a depth of 2,150 meters under the Tyrrhenian Sea — setting a new world record for the deepest-ever installation of a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) subsea cable.
The record-setting cable installation is part of the ambitious Tyrrhenian Link project in Italy, described as one of the country’s most significant electrical infrastructure initiatives. Developed in collaboration with Italian grid operator Terna SpA, the project aims to create a robust interconnection between Sicily and Sardinia — with an eventual extension to mainland Italy.
Spanning a total of approximately 970 kilometers and capable of transmitting 1,000 MW of power, the Tyrrhenian Link will consist of two 500 kV HVDC subsea cables once fully completed. The western section currently being installed by Nexans stretches about 480 kilometers between the Fiumetorto landing point near Palermo and Terra Mala near Cagliari.
Work on the western cable began in September 2025, with the first 200 kilometers completed earlier this year and the second phase initiated in December. The record depth achievement reflects years of engineering development, advanced cable-laying technology — including Nexans’ specialized cable-laying vessel — and the dedication of teams working through the holiday period.
“This milestone reflects years of engineering development, the performance of Nexans Aurora, and the precision and commitment of teams across the value chain,” Nexans said, thanking Terna for its partnership and support. The Tyrrhenian Link is slated to be fully operational by 2028, enhancing grid security and energy exchange capacity between regions while supporting Italy’s energy transition goals and broader decarbonization efforts.
