Sumitomo Electric Secures EUR 2 Billion Contract for Rhine-Main-Link (DC35)
Sumitomo Electric Group has signed an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract with Amprion for the DC35 project, a 525 kV HVDC cable project spanning 530 km of the route length. A newly established subsidiary, Sumitomo Electric Power Cable (Europe) GmbH (SEP-E), will engage in power cable EPC projects for the Europe market, as well as related sales activities.
SEP-E is the contractor for the DC35 project, and the contract value is approximately €2 billion. The signing ceremony was held in Dortmund on May 20.
In 2020, Sumitomo Electric received an EPC contract from Amprion for the A-Nord project, the world’s first 525 kV HVDC XLPE cable project, linking Emden in northern Germany with Osterath (west of Düsseldorf).*1 Subsequently, in 2024, Sumitomo Electric secured the Korridor-B V49 project, another 525 kV HVDC XLPE cable project connecting Wilhelmshaven and Hamm.*2 Sumitomo Electric’s technical and solution-oriented approach throughout the execution of these projects, as well as its robust and unique DC-XLPE technology, which has more than 10 years of commercial operation records with a 90˚C conductor temperature, have been highly appreciated by Amprion and led to the new contract. The total value of these three orders, including the DC35 project, exceeds €3 billion.
With a rated capacity of 2 GW, DC35 forms part of the Rhein-Main Link transmission corridor and aims to transport energy from offshore wind farms in the North and Baltic Seas, as well as onshore wind farms from northern Germany (Rastede), toward the load centers in the Rhine-Main area (Marxheim). This area is characterized by high demand for electricity due to its local industry and high population density. Demand is expected to increase significantly in the coming years as a result of the establishment and expansion of data centers, as well as the decarbonization efforts of industry. Completion of this project is scheduled for 2032, and Sumitomo Electric will proceed with its execution in parallel with the two other projects.
The power cables to be used in the DC35 project, including the Dedicated Metallic Return (DMR), will be manufactured at Südkabel, Sumitomo Electric’s local subsidiary in Mannheim. By manufacturing within Germany and optimizing transport efficiency, including river transport, we will carry out the project while minimizing CO2 emissions. This marks the first project in which Sumitomo Electric will manufacture and supply cable terminations for 525 kV DC XLPE cables that do not use SF6 gas, to support the European Union’s reduction target for net greenhouse gas emissions and the objective of achieving climate neutrality by 2050 at the latest.
As announced in 2024, Sumitomo Electric has acquired a 90% stake in the German cable manufacturer Südkabel and is currently implementing an investment program of approximately €90 million to increase production capacity. It will support energy transition in Germany and wider Europe by utilising the increased production capacity of high-voltage DC and AC cables, and with the reinforced EPC resource set in Germany, we aim to further expand our business while contributing to the local economy and employment.
Masaki Shirayama, Managing Director of Sumitomo Electric:“We are delighted to have secured our third contract from Amprion, following the A-Nord and Korridor-B V49 Projects. In addition to manufacturing all cables at Südkabel in Germany, establishing a local EPC house has enabled us to provide even more locally integrated, long-term support for our clients. We will continue to strengthen our partnership with Amprion and contribute to the construction of Germany’s power grid, while working to expand our power cable business across Europe, by reinforcing our power cable factories in Europe, underground cable factory at Südkabel in Germany, and the subsea cable factory currently under construction in the UK. Throughout these strategic reinforcements in Europe, we will contribute to energy security, carbon neutral target and the local economy in this region.
”Dr. Hendrik Neumann, CTO of Amprion:“With DC35, we are making a decisive contribution to Germany’s energy transition. As a central element of the Rhein Main Link, the project strengthens the backbone of our future grid. Sumitomo Electric is a key technology partner, providing proven 525 kV DC XLPE technology, innovative SF₆ free cable terminations, and expanded production capacities in Germany. Together, we are creating a resilient and futureproof transmission grid – and a clear commitment to innovation, climate protection, and Germany as an industrial location.”
