LS Cable & System is partnering with Korea Electric Power Technology to secure a foothold in the floating offshore wind power market. The collaboration aims to enhance competitiveness from the initial design phase by integrating submarine cable technology with power system design capabilities.
On May 11, LS Cable & System announced it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Korea Electric Power Technology for cooperation in floating offshore wind power.
The agreement focuses on establishing a "design-linked cooperation model" that combines LS Cable & System's submarine cable technology with Korea Electric Power Technology's engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) capabilities. The two companies plan to jointly participate in the early engineering stages to optimize the power system and cable specifications.
Floating offshore wind power involves wind turbines and their supporting structures floating on the sea. This method allows for installation in deeper waters and farther offshore than fixed offshore wind farms, reducing site constraints. However, it also presents challenges as wind turbines and cables must operate in an environment subject to waves and currents, necessitating a complex design that considers both electrical performance and mechanical loads.
LS Cable & System has developed the country's first "dynamic submarine cable" to address these challenges. Dynamic cables are essential components that connect floating offshore wind facilities to the underwater transmission network. They must withstand repeated bending and changes in tension, creating a high technical barrier to entry. Currently, only a few companies, including LS Cable & System and select firms in Europe, possess technology for high-voltage dynamic cables.
Korea Electric Power Technology has accumulated expertise in power system design and marine environmental analysis through its EPC projects for land-based power plants. The two companies aim to leverage this expertise to enhance their competitive edge in the integrated mechanical and electrical design required for dynamic cables.
An LS Cable & System official stated, "Participation in the design phase of floating offshore wind power is crucial for securing contracts. Together with our subsidiary LS Marine Solutions, we will strengthen our global competitiveness by integrating design, manufacturing, construction, and operation and maintenance capabilities into a turnkey solution."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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