Building Confidence in Dynamic HVDC Technology: DCDYNAMIC Insurer Day

On the 8th of September, DCDYNAMIC brought together researchers, a team from cable manufacturer NKT, insurance experts and certifiers in London for a dedicated DCDYNAMIC Insurer Day.

The meeting created an opportunity for early exchange around the development and technical parameters of DCDYNAMIC’s 320 kV dynamic HVDC cable for floating offshore substations, connecting technical progress with the perspectives and questions of the insurance community.

For emerging dynamic HVDC cable technology, technical performance in terms of reduced failure and future insurability are closely connected. During the Insurer Day, DCDYNAMIC partners shared insights into the project’s efforts, including the development and testing of a future full-scale 320 kV HVDC dynamic cable and the progress achieved to date. At the same time, the meeting opened a discussion on the evidence and information insurers need to assess the risks associated with this new technology to provide sufficient coverage.

Bringing researchers, manufacturers, insurers and certifiers together at an early stage enabled knowledge to flow both ways. It provided an opportunity to identify insurers’ concerns and expectations, exchange perspectives on risk and qualification, and consider these insights as the technology and its testing methodology continue to develop.

This dialogue also connects with DCDYNAMIC’s work on standardisation. The project investigates limitations in existing testing methodologies and aims to translate research and testing outcomes into future guidance for dynamic HVDC cables.

By connecting technical development, standardisation and insurance perspectives from an early stage, DCDYNAMIC is working towards a shared understanding of the technology and its risks, helping to build confidence step by step.

The meeting was well received by the participating insurers and certifiers, who highlighted the exchange as useful and relevant. Their positive feedback underlined the value of engaging with the insurance community at an early stage and confirmed the importance of continuing this dialogue as the project progresses.