11 July 2025
Sumitomo Electric Kicks Off the Installation of 525 kV DC Underground Cable for Germany's Corridor A-Nord Project
On June 23, 2025, Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. commenced the installation of its 525kV XLPE High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) underground cable system for the Corridor A-Nord project in Germany. This milestone marks a significant advancement in one of the country’s most vital energy infrastructure developments.
The Corridor A-Nord project plays a crucial role in supporting Germany’s Energy Transition policy, which aims to integrate renewable energy into the country’s High-Voltage Network and significantly reduce carbon emissions. The launch of installation work signifies our contribution to this transformation.
“We are deeply honored to commence the installation of our 525kV XLPE HVDC cable system for Corridor A-Nord. This project represents a significant step in Germany’s energy transition, and we are proud to contribute through our advanced cable technologies. We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and collaboration throughout this important endeavor,” stated Sumitomo Electric’s Senior Executive Officer, Yasuyuki Shibata.
To mark the beginning of the installation, we held a traditional Japanese safety prayer ceremony known as Anzen Kigan-sai, invoking safety and success for the project. This cultural practice aims not only to wish for accident-free operations but also to foster a shared commitment to safety among all stakeholders.
“In Japan, we have a long tradition of holding safety ceremonies, known as Anzen Kigan-sai. These ceremonies are deeply rooted in our culture and history, reflecting our commitment to ensuring safety in all endeavors. The origins of these ceremonies can be traced back to ancient times when workers would pray for protection and blessings from the gods before embarking on significant construction projects. This reflects our profound respect for the work we do and our acknowledgment of the associated risks,” stated Sumitomo Electric’s Project Director, Teruaki Kawaguchi.
We were awarded the Corridor A-Nord project by Amprion GmbH, one of Germany’s transmission system operators. Under the contract, we are responsible for the design, manufacturing, logistics, installation, jointing, commissioning, and maintenance of approximately 300 kilometers of HVDC cable. The project is valued at more than EUR 500 million. The route connects the converter stations in Petkum, located at Emden, and Osterath, near Düsseldorf.
Through the successful execution of the Corridor A-Nord project, we aim to further solidify its our leadership position in the global HVDC market.