Developed to operate at 90°C, compared with the conventional 70°C operating norm, the system helps enable higher power transmission capacity, greater operating margins, and simplified system design, while supporting efficient and reliable cable manufacturing without compromising electrical or mechanical durability.
Mar 26, 2026
Dow has announced a step-change in high-voltage direct current (HVDC) insulation systems with the latest addition to its ENDURANCE™ Compounds for Cable Systems portfolio – a fully qualified 525 kV HVDC insulation system engineered for the demands of modern power infrastructure.
The fully cross‑linked, fully qualified system design ENDURANCE™ Compounds for Cable Systems bring together insulation and semiconductive cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) into a high‑voltage direct current (HVDC) insulation system – purpose-built for the performance demands of the expanding offshore wind infrastructure and long-distance interconnector projects.
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The system combines ENDURANCE™ HFDB‑4401 UDC, a fully cross‑linked XLPE insulation compound engineered for HVDC applications, with ENDURANCE™ HFDB‑0840 BK UDC, a semiconductive compound specifically designed to help reduce charge injection and space‑charge accumulation.
Developed to operate at 90°C, compared with the conventional 70°C operating norm, the system helps enable higher power transmission capacity, greater operating margins, and simplified system design, while supporting efficient and reliable cable manufacturing without compromising electrical or mechanical durability.
This solution supports applications up to 525 kV and has been qualified on full size cables, in line with stringent industry requirements for HVDC applications. The announcement follows a major industry milestone where ENDURANCE™ insulation and semiconductive XLPE compounds were successfully qualified in a 525 kV HVDC submarine cable system operating up to 90°C, confirming readiness for commercial deployment.
“This marks a breakthrough in high‑voltage direct current (HVDC) insulation capability, as we apply our deep expertise in cross‑linked polyethylene to help customers meet evolving HVDC requirements,” said Mr. Edit BercziGlobal Marketing Manager of , Wire & Cable, Packaging & Specialty Plastics, Dow.
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“The journey started by listening and collaborating across the value chain – from extensive testing to long‑term qualification on full‑sized cables – turning the development into a fully qualified solution designed for demanding HVDC applications, ” he added.
The newly introduced materials will be on display alongside other innovative Dow solutions at wire 2026 in Düsseldorf, Germany, from 13-17 April, at Dow booth A40, in Hall 9.
