LS Cable & System, a part of LKS Group, has announced the commencement of volume production of its 525-kilovolt (kV) high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cable, the highest voltage HVDC cable in the world. This cutting-edge product will play a crucial role in the BalWin 4 and LanWin 1 projects, part of Dutch state-owned utility TenneT’s 2-gigawatt (GW) transmission grid. These projects aim to connect offshore wind farms in the North Sea to inland Germany and the Netherlands using HVDC technology.
In May 2023, LS Cable & System secured a landmark 2 trillion won long-term supply contract with TenneT, marking the largest single order ever for a cable manufacturer. Building on this success, the company signed additional contracts worth 1.5 trillion won in early 2024, cementing its involvement in the BalWin 4 and LanWin 1 projects.
HVDC cables offer significant advantages over alternating current (AC) cables, particularly in transmitting large amounts of current over long distances with minimal losses. This makes them ideal for long-distance transmission networks, especially in Europe where they are extensively used for offshore wind power and cross-border power grid connections.
The European Union (EU) has ambitious plans to expand its offshore wind power capacity, increasing its target from 60 GW by 2030 to 300 GW by 2050. This strategic shift is expected to drive substantial growth in the HVDC cable market.
The 525-kilovolt HVDC cable represents a pinnacle of technological achievement, requiring highly advanced production capabilities. With only a handful of companies worldwide possessing the expertise to produce such high-voltage cables, LS Cable & System’s advancement marks a significant milestone in the industry. Experts highlight the importance of this development as LS Cable & System leads the way in the commercialization of 525-kilovolt HVDC cables, positioning itself at the forefront of global HVDC technology.
As the demand for efficient long-distance power transmission continues to rise, LS Cable & System’s innovative HVDC solutions are poised to play a pivotal role in meeting the growing energy needs of the future.
