The EU Horizon projects FOREST and VERTI-GO will establish Sub Connected as number one in connecting floating energy systems

In 2017,at the Waves4Power wave energy and grid connection trial at Runde a new array solution was developed. Using 3.6 kV super dynamic lightweight cables with a patented static anchored hub and dry connections. It was seen as a tremendous innovation and led to the creation of Sub Connected.

As Floating Energy developed in the 2020’s and various devices increased in size and power generation the requirement for a new array system increased with it.

In 2025 the lead partners in two separate HORIZON bids approached Sub Connected to ask if they would be the lead partner in developing a more powerful FLoating Energy Connection System (FLECS) for Ocean Energy and Floating Offshore Wind respectively.

In 2026 both bids were successful and Sub Connected is now developing a 33Kv FLECS system for Ocean Energy in the FOREST project and a 66Kv FLECS system for FLOW in the VERTI-GO project.

The FLECS system will be available this year and tested at the EMEC scale site in 2027 giving the independent reviews required by both developers and insurers.

FLECS – Floating Energy Connection System – What is it?

Combining a new generation of super dynamic lightweight Kevlar cables (<70mm 5kg per meter) at 36kV and 72kV with a unique patented single point anchored hub for dry connecting multiple cables. This absorbs all the movement between the device and hub, allows multiple devices to connect and exports the power generated to the grid connection point.

  • Designed for FLOW, FOW, Wave, Tidal and Solar marine devices in harsh climates
  • Marine Operations are faster and far less expensive
  • Significantly reduced CAPEX, OPEX, downtime, maintenance and LCOE (Levelized Cost of Electricity)
  • Extreme longevity testing and simulations at RISE (Research Institute of Sweden) and Chalmers University of Technology
  • The Runde cable and hub is still in place and operable after 9 years – PROVEN IN ACTION

FOREST

Research project including development and testing of a Sub Connected 36 kV cable and hub solution at EMEC (European Marine Energy Centre) at the Orkney Island.

  • Electrical quick connector system to streamline deployment and maintenance
  • 36 kV super dynamic cables and connection hub for ocean energy arrays
  • Optical measurement platform to monitor cable health and optimise array performance

VERTI-GO

Demonstration of a VERTIcal-axis floating wind turbine for offshore energy Generation with improved performance and accessibility for Operation & maintenance. VERTI-GO is pioneering a new generation of floating offshore wind technology with a purpose-built vertical-axis wind turbine designed from the ground up for deep-water conditions.

  • A solution that is more efficient, cost-effective, and simpler to operate than state-of-the-art alternatives
  • Its integrated design, merging the tower and floater into a single structure, streamlines manufacturing and assembly, resulting in lower CAPEX, enhanced reliability, and improved offshore O&M
  • Building on proven TRL5 performance, VERTI-GO now aims to scale up to a 2 MW demonstrator
  • Sub Connected will develop a 66 kV super dynamic cable for this project