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WECS
27 Sept 2023
Walsin Lihwa Corporation and Denmark's NKT Group subsidiary, NKT HV Cables AB, held a groundbreaking ceremony on the 28th for their joint venture, Walsin Energy Cable System Co., Ltd., marking the start of Taiwan’s only subsea cable manufacturing facility in Kaohsiung. The plant is expected to be completed and begin trial production in 2025, with full operations slated for 2027.
Walsin Lihwa Corporation, in partnership with NKT HV Cables AB, a subsidiary of Denmark’s NKT Group, has officially broken ground on its submarine cable factory in Kaohsiung. This facility, established under their joint venture Walsin Energy Cable System Co., Ltd., will be Taiwan’s first and only submarine cable manufacturing plant. Construction is expected to be completed in 2025, with trial production commencing shortly thereafter and full operations beginning in 2027.
Partnership with Global Leader NKT
Through this collaboration with NKT HV Cables AB, one of the world’s top three submarine cable manufacturers, the project will integrate advanced cable manufacturing technologies, operational models, and world-class ESG standards. Together, they aim to construct a highly automated production line and provide state-of-the-art technical services.
“Submarine cables are a critical component of the wind energy supply chain and hold significant strategic value for resilient power grids. Localization will address domestic demand in real time,” said Yu-Lon Chiao, Chairman of Walsin Lihwa.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with NKT, a global leader, on this landmark project for Walsin Lihwa’s cable division. Strategically, technically, and commercially, this partnership represents a significant milestone. Together with Taiwan’s wind farm developers, we aim to establish strong partnerships and deliver reliable, high-quality, and competitive submarine cable products, enhancing Taiwan’s strategic position in the international wind energy and submarine cable sectors while contributing to green energy development.”
A Milestone for Taiwan’s Offshore Wind Industry
Will Hendrikx, COO and Deputy CEO of NKT Group, emphasized the importance of this milestone:
“We are honored to be part of this project, celebrating this pivotal moment alongside our partners and stakeholders. We look forward to the next phase—building a state-of-the-art submarine cable factory to supply Taiwan’s offshore wind market. This market is poised for rapid growth over the next decade, supporting Taiwan’s green energy transition. Walsin Lihwa’s strong reputation as a cable manufacturer, combined with NKT’s expertise in submarine cables, presents an incredible opportunity to establish a leading submarine cable company in Taiwan.”
Key Features of the Kaohsiung Submarine Cable Factory
The factory will be built on Phase 1 land of the Kaohsiung Port Intercontinental Container Center, covering a total area of 70,751 ping (approximately 234,000 square meters), with the main production facility occupying 18,098 ping (approximately 60,000 square meters). The plant will include a single-story steel structure with a height of 11–17 meters and a six-story tower reaching a total height of 50 meters.
The facility will primarily produce high-voltage export cables and medium-voltage array cables for the offshore wind market, fulfilling the growing demand for submarine cables and achieving localization of submarine cable production. This endeavor aims to boost Taiwan’s international competitiveness while contributing to energy resilience.
About Walsin Lihwa
Founded in 1966, Walsin Lihwa Corporation is a leader in wire and cable, stainless steel, resources, real estate development, and renewable energy in Greater China. Over the decades, it has grown into a multinational conglomerate with a focus on high-tech and energy investments.
Translated from: 籌備已久的華新麗華高雄海底電纜廠正式動土 – 華新麗華｜Walsin Lihwa