Summary of Sectors Global and national internet/communications connectivity and subsea energy transmission are reliant on subsea cables. Recent events have heightened awareness of the resilience and security of these vital underwater links, and demand for space on the seabed creates challenges for cable laying and repair.

• Telecommunications/data cables enable global business and communications with >99% of intercontinental global communications travelling by subsea cable. >$10 Trillion financial transactions per day.
• Subsea power transmission cables are critical to the reliable and resilient operation of the UK power transmission grid and enable the movement of renewable energy both within the UK and between countries
• Subsea cables bring energy from offshore wind/renewable sources – without cables, energy from offshore renewables could not come ashore.

Internet, Data & the Global Economy

• The UK economy fundamentally relies upon subsea telecommunications/data cables facilitating global connectivity. Subsea cables carry more than 99% of global intercontinental communications/data.

Offshore Wind

• Without subsea power cables there is no offshore wind. Estimations show the UK could install around 140GW of offshore wind capacity by 2050 to reach net zero.

Subsea Power Transmission & Distribution

• Subsea power cables, both transmission and distribution are vital components in the pathway to 2030 and everyday life. These critical assets require support to enable their construction and operation, along with protection from damage. They are critical for UK energy security.

Island communities

• Domestic power & telecoms cables provide essential services (energy, emergency services, healthcare, business, social etc.) and lifeline connectivity for UK island communities.

Four Achievable Supportive Actions:

1. Engage with the industry – join industry briefing on the primary issues related to subsea cable security and resilience.
2. Accelerate decarbonisation and economic growth. Review the existing consenting processes for marine industries – to reduce time delays, decrease cost, and streamline resource demands in decision making.
3. Take action to address and understand ‘Spatial Squeeze’ and the increasing demand for space on the seabed. Cables need access to the UK – and this needs effective working with international partners.
4. Support cross-government working on subsea infrastructure policy to coordinate across all subsea cable sector policy areas – energy and telecommunication – aligned with policies impacting other marine industries.

Figure 1 Subsea cables in UK and surrounding waters. Source: KIS-ORCA