Europe’s transition towards a more renewable, interconnected and resilient electricity system requires transmission technologies that can deliver higher performance, reliability and sustainability. The NEWGEN project is addressing this challenge by developing and demonstrating next-generation solutions across the entire extruded HVDC cable system value chain. From novel recyclable insulation materials and advanced cable manufacturing to online condition monitoring and life and reliability modelling, NEWGEN brings together complementary innovations with the potential to improve the performance, reliability and sustainability of future HVDC cable systems.
As the project progresses, the NEWGEN consortium is identifying a portfolio of Key Exploitable Results (KERs) that can create impact beyond the project. These results range from advanced materials and manufacturing capabilities to monitoring technologies and modelling tools, each with different levels of maturity and potential exploitation pathways.
To support wider uptake, NEWGEN is using the EU Innovation Platform to showcase KERs with go-to-market potential and connect them with investors, funding opportunities, business support and relevant networks.
The following Key Exploitable Results highlight how NEWGEN is turning research and technological innovation into solutions that could contribute to the future development of more reliable, resilient and sustainable HVDC cable systems.
KER1 – New HVDC Cable Insulation Compounds (VTT, UT)
1.1 Additives for space charge mitigation
VTT and UT have developed grafted polymeric additives that significantly reduce space charge accumulation in extruded HVDC cable insulation without compromising dielectric strength. Compatible with PP and PE-based insulation matrices, these additives require only low concentrations and represent a mature solution with potential for industrial application in several polymer insulation systems.
Exploitation potential: Advanced additives for improving the electrical performance and reliability of HVDC cable insulation materials.
1.2 New HVDC cable insulation compounds
VTT has developed recyclable thermoplastic PP-based insulation materials with promising electrical, thermal and mechanical properties for next-generation HVDC cables. The materials have been successfully demonstrated in model mini-cables and full-size HVDC cable prototypes.
Exploitation potential: Recyclable high-performance insulation materials supporting the development of more sustainable next-generation HVDC cables.
1.3 Pilot-scale clean compounding facility
VTT has established a dedicated clean compounding environment for the controlled development and production of HVDC insulation materials. The facility enables advanced polymer compounding under conditions suitable for high-voltage electrical insulation applications.
Exploitation potential: A specialised R&D and pilot-scale compounding capability with applications in electrical insulation, functional polymer composites and other high-performance materials.
KER2 – Optimal Cable Manufacturing Process and Equipment (MAI)
2.1 Power cable prototyping platform for HVDC materials and cables
MAI has upgraded its R&D test facilities to support the manufacturing and prototyping of PP-based HVDC cable materials and cables. The platform enables the production of mini-cables, medium-voltage cables and short full-size HVDC cable prototypes, supporting the scale-up of new materials towards industrial cable manufacturing.
Exploitation potential: Advanced cable prototyping and manufacturing capabilities supporting the industrial development of next-generation HVDC cable technologies.
KER3 – HVDC Cable Monitoring and Diagnostics (TAG, SGI)
3.1 Non-intrusive condition monitoring of HVDC cable system
SGI is developing a magneto-optical leakage current monitoring system capable of measuring extremely small currents without interfering with the HVDC energy transmission system. The technology can provide valuable information on insulation performance and support the detection of potential cable pre-fault conditions.
Exploitation potential: Online condition monitoring and diagnostic technology supporting early fault detection, predictive maintenance and improved reliability of HVDC cable systems.
KER4 – Life and Reliability Model for HVDC Cables and Cable Systems (UBO)
4.1 Commercial exploitation of the life and reliability model of the HVDC cable system
UBO has developed a comprehensive life and reliability model for HVDC cable systems, including cables, joints, and terminations. The model can evaluate lifetime and reliability under different operating conditions, including constant voltage and temperature, load cycles of cable current, voltage transients, and has been validated using experimental results from NEWGEN-developed materials.
Exploitation potential: A modelling and assessment tool that can support HVDC cable qualification, lifetime assessment and resilience evaluation