Review of high current rating insulated cable solutions

•This review paper deals with cable special solutions having high ampacities.•These solutions are examined theoretically and practical applications are shown.•The paper shows that current rating up to 2500 A can be reached.•The best solution must be a compromise between capex and installation constraints.

Current rating computations for HV- and EHV-insulated cables play a crucial role in the planning phase of a new line for both an entirely underground cable link and a mixed or hybrid (cascade connection of overhead and cable line) one. The paper gives a wide overview of the technical solutions which allow very high current ratings in undergrounded insulated cables. These solutions are examined from a theoretical standpoint and practical applications are shown and explained. The paper demonstrates that in underground insulated cables, current rating up to 2500 A can be reached.