Photograph) An LS Cable & System employee testing an HVDC cable


■ First cables in Korea to pass PQ test for 525 kV, 80°C-class, with transmission capacity boosted by 25%  
■ Foundation secured for next-generation submarine cables for long-distance, large-capacity power transmission  
■ To target global HVDC market based on strengthened turnkey capabilities with LS Marine Solution 


LS Cable & System is fast-tracking commercialization of its extra-high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) submarine cables with Korea's highest transmission capacity as it targets the West Coast Energy Highway project. 

The company announced on the 9th that it has passed the pre-qualification (PQ) test for 525 kV, 80°C-class HVDC submarine cables, the first company in Korea to do so. 

The PQ test is an international certification process that verifies long-term performance and reliability, allowing the company to supply products by simply undergoing a type test upon winning a bid. By passing it, LS Cable & System has positioned itself to supply 525 kV, 80°C-class submarine cables, which are required for the West Coast Energy Highway project. 

The allowable conductor temperature of the new HVDC submarine cables has been raised from 70°C to 80°C, boosting transmission capacity by up to 25%. They are a highly sophisticated, next-generation product with extra-high-voltage insulation technology and long-term reliability, making them suitable for long-distance, large-capacity power transmission. 

With the proliferation of AI data centers and the expansion of renewable energy rapidly driving up demand for long-distance, large-capacity power transmission grids, the need for advanced infrastructure is growing, which in turn is fueling the growth of the HVDC market. Already the only company in Korea with a track record of commercialization, LS Cable & System has recently expanded its business foundation by supplying HVDC cables for the Jeju 2 and 3 interconnection projects and Europe's TenneT project. 

"Passing this PQ test is an important milestone for targeting the next-generation national power grid market," said a company spokesperson. "Based on our turnkey manufacturing and construction capabilities alongside LS Marine Solution, we'll further strengthen our expansion into the energy highway and global HVDC markets." 

In addition, the company's subsidiaries are strengthening their business competitiveness to meet growing demand in the domestic and international power infrastructure markets. LS Eco Energy recently completed the PQ test for 400 kV extra-high-voltage cables for North America, while Gaon Cable has developed extra-high-voltage cables that meet KEPCO specifications, and is on track to start supplying them next year.