Cable production starts in S Korea for TenneT’s 2-GW connections

South Korean cable manufacturer LS Cable has started production under a framework agreement with Dutch-German transmission system operator TenneT for two offshore grid connections.

TenneT said on Friday that this marks the start of a new chapter for its offshore grid connection systems, introducing high-performance 525-kV cables as the new standard in TenneT’s 2 GW programme, under which the grid operator plans to build 14 high-voltage direct current (HVDC) connections of 2 GW each in the Dutch and German North Sea.

LS Cable’s start of production in Donghae, South Korea is part of a deal between TenneT and a consortium involving Jan De Nul Group, LS Cable & Systems and Denys, which was announced in May 2023 and covers four 525-kV DC cable systems. The first cables are destined for the BalWin4 and LanWin1 grid connection projects. Together the two projects will need a total of 1,650 kilometres (1,026 miles) of cables. BalWin4 and LanWin1’s routes are 275 km long each, consisting of 165 km of submarine cables and 110 km of land cables.

Production of the cables is due to be finished in 2028. Jan De Nul will start cable laying at sea in the second half of 2026, when the construction of the land cable is also scheduled to begin.

BalWin4 should become operational in 2029, and LanWin1 in 2030.

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