South Korean Tech Giant Taihan Cable Powers Up UK’s Energy Future with £21.3B Deal
In a move that’s electrifying the global energy sector, South Korea’s Taihan Cable & Solution has inked a groundbreaking framework agreement with the UK’s National Grid. The deal, worth a staggering £21.3 billion, cements Taihan’s role as a key player in the high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cable market—a critical component in the race to modernize power grids and transition to renewable energy. This isn’t just a contract; it’s a seismic shift in the energy supply chain, and Taihan is at the forefront.
National Grid, the UK’s energy backbone, is betting big on HVDC technology to future-proof its infrastructure. With over 15 submarine and underground HVDC projects in the pipeline over the next eight years, the total value of these initiatives clocks in at a jaw-dropping £59 billion. Taihan’s slice of the pie? A cool £21.3 billion, giving them the green light to bid on 525 kV and 320 kV HVDC cable system projects starting in 2025. This isn’t just a win for Taihan—it’s a win for the entire energy ecosystem.
Why HVDC is the Future of Energy Transmission
HVDC isn’t just another acronym in the tech lexicon—it’s the backbone of tomorrow’s energy grid. Unlike traditional alternating current (AC) systems, HVDC is a game-changer for long-distance power transmission, especially for offshore wind farms and cross-border energy sharing. With the global push for decarbonization, HVDC is the linchpin that will connect renewable energy sources to urban centers, reducing energy loss and boosting efficiency. Taihan’s expertise in this space positions them as a critical enabler of the green energy revolution.
“This agreement is a testament to our technological prowess in HVDC systems,” said Taihan’s Vice Chairman Song Jong-min. “We’re not just building cables; we’re building the future of energy.” And they’re doing it on a global scale. The deal with National Grid is part of a broader strategy to dominate the European market, following Taihan’s recent foray into the U.S. with its first 320 kV HVDC project. The company is also doubling down on its infrastructure, with a state-of-the-art submarine cable plant set to launch in Dangjin, South Korea, by 2027.
Taihan’s Tech Arsenal: From Cable-Laying Vessels to R&D Powerhouses
But Taihan isn’t stopping at cables. In December 2023, the company acquired Korea’s only cable-laying vessel (CLV), a $38.4 million marvel equipped with self-propulsion and a DP2 system. This beast of a machine can haul up to 4,400 tons of underwater cables, making it a critical asset for offshore wind projects. The CLV’s commissioning in July marked another milestone in Taihan’s quest to dominate the renewable energy supply chain.
Meanwhile, the company’s R&D efforts are in overdrive, focusing on cutting-edge HVDC submarine cable production. By the time the Dangjin plant goes live, Taihan aims to hit the ground running with immediate production capabilities. It’s a bold vision, but one that aligns perfectly with the global demand for smarter, greener energy solutions.
As the world races toward a sustainable future, Taihan Cable & Solution is proving that innovation and ambition can power more than just grids—they can power progress. With deals like this, the future of energy is looking brighter than ever.
