Prysmian's Borlink™-based HVDC power transmission cable systems enable the electrification of ADNOC’s offshore operations between Al Mirfa and Al Ghallan in the UAE.
The Offshore Electrification Project in the UAE is a groundbreaking initiative designed to support the decarbonization of ADNOC’s (Abu Dhabi National Oil Company’s) operations. One critical aspect of the project is a connection between onshore facilities in Al Mirfa and the strategic offshore location of Al Ghallan, an artificial island in the Zakum Cluster.
The project marks the first use of an extruded based high voltage direct current (HVDC) subsea transmission system in the Middle East. Supported by the Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), the project is a key pillar of the UAE's "Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.
"The Abu Dhabi Offshore Power Transmission Company Limited has been created to lead the project, with ADNOC and TAQA each owning a 30% share. The remaining 40% is owned by a consortium comprising Korea Electric Power Corporation, Kyuden International Corporation, and Electricite de France.
ADNOC’s offshore operations in Abu Dhabi are among the world’s largest hydrocarbon production sites. Historically, they have depended on gas-powered turbines for energy. To reduce carbon emissions and in the absence of a local sustainable energy source offshore, ADNOC needed to find an alternative clean energy solution capable of delivering a robust and consistent power supply.
Our Borlink™ technology is a step-change innovation for the cable industry and serves as a platform for Borealis and Borouge to support our partners and customers in accelerating the energy transition—from the North Sea to the Arabian Gulf, and beyond. This unique collaboration with Prysmian on the Al Mirfa–Al Ghallan Island connection is particularly rewarding given its significant contribution to the UAE's broader decarbonization efforts.
Bart Verheule, Global Marketing Director Energy, Borealis
ADNOC is pioneering a “power from shore” strategy that reverses the usual practice of linking offshore energy sources to mainland power grids.
This innovative approach uses a direct current (DC) transmission system to transport substantial volumes of low-emission power from Al Mirfa to Al Ghallan, where the electricity is converted from DC into alternating current (AC) to serve various offshore facilities in the surrounding area.
Innovative DC transmission system delivers low-emission power from Al Mirfa to Al Ghallan, powering offshore facilities in the Zakum Cluster
© Borealis
Prysmian will use Borealis’ proprietary Borlink™ technology as the foundation for the Al Mirfa-Al Ghallan connection’s insulated cables. With more than two decades of experience in DC systems, Borealis provides unmatched reliability, quality assurance, and technical support – a track record that is vital for a project of this scale.
Borlink™ represents a step-change in power cable technology, enabling extruded cables to operate at substantially higher voltages and power transmission levels. This innovation substantially enhances the efficiency of power delivery between onshore and offshore facilities. Prysmian will employ Borlink™ HVDC cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) cable compounds, specifically Borlink™ LS4258DC and Borlink™ LE0550DC grades.
Projected for commissioning in 2025, the electrification of ADNOC’s operations on Al Ghallan island is expected to reduce emissions by over 30%, marking significant progress in the region’s decarbonization journey.
We are proud of our stellar track record in providing HVDC systems and are eager to put our expertise to work on this first-ever HVDC extruded cable interconnection in the Middle East region. The combination of our cutting-edge cable-laying vessels, state-of-the-art production facilities and the Borealis Group’s polymer expertise is a winning team for tackling this challenge.
Madhumal Nivedh, Project Manager, Prysmian
Borealis solutions bring energy all around
Borealis has been a trusted partner to the energy industry for over 60 years, delivering innovative polyolefin solutions that help power our lives. Our portfolio includes high-performance compounds for wire and cables applications ranging from underwater power projects to transmission and distribution networks, communications, and advanced energy storage systems and capacitors.
With operations and joint ventures in the US (Baystar™ and Rockport), South Korea (DYM Solutions) and the UAE (Borouge), our reach extends well beyond Europe. This global presence widens our expertise and extends the impact of our work.
Our purpose is to reinvent essentials for sustainable living. As part of this commitment, we’re helping to accelerate electrification and the green energy transition through our proprietary technologies and advanced material solutions. These include technology platform Borlink™, sustainable engineering polymer class Stelora™, solar brand Quentys™, and Borclean™ capacitor film resins.
Meanwhile, our Borcycle™ M, Borcycle™ C and Bornewables™ portfolios are meeting demand for sustainable solutions that don’t compromise on quality. Independently certified by ISCC PLUS, these high-performance compounds are the tangible result of our EverMinds™ initiative to drive progress in the transition to a circular economy.
Borclean™, Borcycle™, Borlink™, Bornewables™, EverMinds™, Quentys™ and Stelora™ are trademarks of Borealis AG.