Title: Environmental and technical assessment for submarine cables siting issue in Mediterranean area

Convenor: Massimo Pompili, Italy

The number and the importance of HV and UHV submarine cable interconnections is increasing in last two decades due to difficulties to find alternative cheaper OHL solutions.

Till today comparative studies of the related environmental impacts of these alternative solutions are not yet available. Furthermore, it should be advisable to define and to list the more important aspects which may influence the impacts of these HV connections on the human health, the environment and the algae and submarine animals.

These elements of impact may concern both the submarine cables as well the terrestrial submarine connecting substations (AC and DC). A preventive knowledge of the main issues related to the environmental impacts may positively influence the design and the applied technologies used for developing these HV and UHV connections.

In the Mediterranean area, the different Countries may have relevant national rules and regulations which may differ and for this reason some SEERC Members expressed common interest to set up a WG with the main aim to exchange information on this very actual topic.

Scope of this WG is to prepare general recommendations for reducing the impacts of HV and UHV submarine cables and related connections substations on the human health, the environment and the algae and submarine animals.