LS Cable has commenced construction on key equipment for its undersea cable production facility in the United States. As demand for power infrastructure in North America increases due to aging power grids and the expansion of AI data centers, the company is accelerating its market penetration by establishing a local production base.
According to industry sources, LS Cable's U.S. subsidiary, LS Greenlink, recently broke ground on the VCV tower at its undersea cable plant in Chesapeake, Virginia.
The LS Greenlink facility is set to become the largest undersea cable production base in the United States, with completion targeted for the second half of 2027 and commercial production expected to begin in the first quarter of 2028. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by key figures, including Gu Bon-kyu, president of LS Cable, Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger, and U.S. Senator Tim Kaine.
The VCV, or vertical continuous vulcanization system, is a crucial piece of production equipment that forms the insulation layer of cables. By producing cables vertically, it reduces quality variations caused by gravity and enhances productivity. Once completed, the tower will stand at 201 meters, making it the world's tallest VCV facility and the tallest structure in Virginia.
In the power industry, companies that secure local production bases are expected to enhance their competitive edge in bidding for offshore wind, long-distance transmission networks, and data center power grid investments, especially given the limited undersea cable production capacity in the U.S.
The United States is pursuing significant investments in transmission infrastructure to address the replacement of aging power grids and the rising power demand from AI data centers. Currently, there is only one large-scale undersea cable production facility in the U.S., and the completion of LS Greenlink is anticipated to be a key hub for expanding the local supply chain.
LS Cable plans to target the high-voltage transmission market through LS Greenlink and LS Marine Solutions, while also addressing the power infrastructure needs of AI data centers through Gaon Electric Wire. The strategy aims to establish a comprehensive North American power value chain that encompasses everything from undersea cable production to construction and power distribution solutions.
Gu Bon-kyu, president of LS Cable, stated, "LS Greenlink will serve as a strategic base capable of supplying not only North America but also the European market. We will expand our market presence based on our local production capabilities and technological competitiveness."
Spanberger remarked, "LS Greenlink is a symbolic project showcasing Virginia's advanced manufacturing competitiveness. I expect it to significantly contribute to job creation and the development of energy infrastructure."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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