Sumitomo completes 27-kilometer subsea interconnector in the Philippines

Japan-headquartered Sumitomo Electric Industries has completed an interconnector in the Philippines which included the installation of a 27-kilometer-long high-voltage submarine power cable.

The project involved laying a 230 kV AC submarine cable of 1,200 MW capacity along a 27-kilometer route between Cebu and Bohol islands, aiming to resolve the growing power supply-demand imbalance on Bohol Island, exacerbated by the surge in tourism, and to enhance the overall reliability of the region’s power grid, Sumitomo said.

The company was responsible for the design, manufacturing, and installation of the system, including the 230 kV AC cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulated cable, completing the work on schedule, despite what it said was a highly challenging nature of the deep-sea installation.

The project was executed on behalf of the client National Grid Corporation of the Philippines.

“We are extremely pleased to have successfully completed this project by leveraging the extensive experience and expertise we have developed over the years in the Philippine waters. The completion of this project marks a significant achievement in strengthening the region’s energy infrastructure, and Sumitomo Electric remains committed to contributing to the sustainable energy supply in the country,” said Kazuhira Harada, Executive Officer of Sumitomo Electric.

Of note, Sumitomo is currently building what is said to be the UK’s first HVDC cable factory, located at the Port of Nigg. THREE60 Energy is delivering cable storage carousels and cable handling equipment for the power cable factory.

Commissioning is expected in 2026.