Medium voltage (MV) power cables, rated from 6 kV to 35 kV per IEC 60038, play a pivotal role in supporting renewable energy projects by enabling efficient power transmission and distribution. As global renewable energy adoption accelerates, MV cables are essential for connecting distributed energy sources like solar farms and wind turbines to the grid. 

1. Overview of MV Cables in Renewable Energy

Renewable energy projects, such as solar and wind farms, require robust power infrastructure to transmit generated electricity to the grid. MV cables bridge low-voltage generation (e.g., 0.6/1 kV from panels) and high-voltage transmission (above 35 kV), enabling efficient power collection and distribution. With the global MV cable market projected to grow from USD 33.46 billion in 2024 to USD 76.31 billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 7.81%, driven by renewable energy expansion, MV cables are increasingly critical. 0 Jianyun Cable provides TUV- and CCC-certified MV cables designed for renewable applications, ensuring compliance and performance.

2. Key Roles of MV Cables in Renewable Energy Projects

MV cables support renewable energy by:

• Efficient Power Collection: Aggregate power from multiple sources (e.g., solar panels) to substations with minimal losses (voltage drop <1.5%).
• Grid Integration: Connect renewable sites to the utility grid, handling voltages from 6/10 kV to 18/30 kV.
• System Reliability: Withstand environmental stressors (e.g., UV, temperatures -40°C to 90°C) to ensure 25–30 year lifespan.
• Safety Enhancement: Incorporate flame-retardant (IEC 60332-3) and LSZH properties to minimize fire risks.
• Example: Jianyun Cable’s 33 kV XLPE-insulated MV cable supports efficient grid integration in solar farms.

3. Key Features of MV Cables for Renewable Energy

MV cables for renewable projects are designed with specific features to meet operational demands:

• Conductor: Copper or aluminum, Class 2 stranded (IEC 60228) for flexibility; e.g., 50 mm² copper with resistance <0.017 Ω/km.
• Insulation: XLPE (90°C max) or EPR for high dielectric strength (≥20 kV/mm) and partial discharge <10 pC.
• Shielding: Copper tape or wire for electric field management and grounding.
• Armoring: Steel wire (SWA) for mechanical protection in underground installations.
• Sheathing: UV-resistant PE or LSZH for environmental durability and fire safety.
• Standards: IEC 60502-2, IEC 60038, IEC 60332-3.
• Example: Jianyun Cable’s 18/30 kV XLPE-insulated, SWA-armored cable for wind farm connections.

4. Applications in Solar and Wind Projects

MV cables are integral to renewable energy infrastructure:

• Solar Projects: Inter-array connections and grid integration (e.g., 11 kV XLPE cables for large solar farms).
• Wind Projects: Turbine-to-substation connections (e.g., 33 kV cables for offshore wind farms).
• Hybrid Systems: Supporting solar-wind hybrids with flexible MV cables for variable loads.
• Example: Jianyun Cable’s 33 kV XLPE-insulated MV cable for solar farm grid connections.

5. Emerging Trends and Innovations

In 2025, MV cable trends in renewable energy include:

• Sustainable Materials: Shift to LSZH and recyclable insulation to meet RoHS/REACH standards.
• Smart Monitoring: Integrated sensors for real-time fault detection and predictive maintenance.
• Higher Voltage Ratings: Move to 66 kV+ for large-scale renewables to reduce losses.
• Hybrid Designs: Copper-aluminum hybrids for optimized cost and performance. 8
• Example: Jianyun Cable’s LSZH MV cables align with sustainability trends for renewable projects.

6. Challenges and Solutions

7. Conclusion

Medium voltage cables support renewable energy projects by enabling efficient power collection, grid integration, and system reliability, with features like XLPE insulation and SWA armoring. As the MV cable market grows to USD 76.31 billion by 2032, driven by renewables, innovations like sustainable materials and smart monitoring will shape the future. Henan Province Jianyun Cable Co., Ltd. offers TUV-certified MV cables tailored for solar and wind applications, ensuring compliance and performance. By selecting appropriate MV cables and addressing challenges, renewable energy projects can achieve safe, efficient operations for 25–30 years.