Taihan Cable & Solution has made a significant breakthrough in the field of high voltage direct current (HVDC) technology, marking its first entry into the U.S. HVDC market.
On September 19, the company announced that it has been selected as the cable supplier for the 320kV voltage-source HVDC and 500kV HVAC (High Voltage Alternating Current) projects in the United States. This project, commissioned by the American power company LS Power Grid California, has a total order value of 90 billion won (approximately $66.6 million) and aims to enhance the reliability of the power grid in Northern California, particularly in Silicon Valley and San Jose.
Taihan Cable & Solution’s entry into the U.S. HVDC market is a notable achievement, as HVDC technology is crucial for long-distance, large-scale power transmission. HVDC systems convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC), making them more efficient for such applications. Voltage-source HVDC, which Taihan has developed, allows for easier bidirectional transmission and simpler converter station installations, making it a global trend for renewable energy projects and inter-country power grid connections.
The project in Northern California is particularly significant given the region’s growing power demand, driven by the expansion of AI-related businesses and advanced IT companies. Ensuring a reliable power grid is essential for supporting these high-tech industries. LS Power Grid California’s initiative to enhance grid reliability through HVDC and HVAC projects aligns with this need.
Taihan Cable & Solution has a strong track record in high voltage technology. The company was the first in Korea to develop and commercialize the 500kV HVAC cable system, which is currently the highest voltage among commercially available underground AC cables and is designated as a national core technology. Additionally, Taihan has developed a 525kV voltage-source HVDC cable system with a 3000SQ cross-sectional area and a permissible temperature of 90℃, another first in Korea.
A representative from Taihan Cable & Solution emphasized the importance of specialized construction capabilities and performance records in securing orders for ultra-high voltage power grids. “Ultra-high voltage power grids such as HVDC and 500kV HVAC, which have high technical difficulty, require highly specialized construction capabilities, and performance records are a crucial criterion for orders. As we build our track record in this high-value-added market, which is also considered the future power grid, it will serve as a foundation for expanding orders in the growing North American market,” the representative stated.
By securing this project Taihan Cable & Solution has achieved the feat of winning and executing all 500kV projects conducted in the U.S. The company plans to actively seek business opportunities in various projects both domestically and internationally with this initial HVDC order. This strategic move is expected to pave the way for further expansion in the North American market, which is significant for power transmission technology companies due to its size and ongoing investments in upgrading and expanding the power grid.
The adoption of voltage-source HVDC technology is also in line with global trends towards renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. Transmission system operators in the U.S. and Europe are increasingly adopting this technology for renewable energy grid connections and inter-country power grid projects, known as supergrids.
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