Taihan has been awarded a project from Korea South-East Power Co. (KOEN) for South Korea’s first extra-long continuous underground power grid project.

A press release said that the extra-long continuous cable technology enables the production and installation of cables exceeding 1 km in length in a single stretch, more than doubling the average production length of approximately 500 m previously used in Korea. The technology eliminates the need for intermediate cable joints, allowing a single cable to cover the entire grid section. That capability reduces manufacturing and construction costs, shortens construction timelines and enhances efficiency as well as minimizes the risk of faults, thereby improving the reliability of power supply.

“KOEN adopted this method to catch up with advanced overseas technologies and implement cutting-edge infrastructure domestically,” the release said. Taihan, based in South Korea, will also transport the 345 kV extra high-voltage cables and cable accessories, as well as provide cable installation and electrical construction. The company noted that it had successfully constructed a 400 kV underground power grid, Singapore’s highest voltage level, using cables with lengths of approximately 1.9 km.

In other news, Taihan announced that it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Global Top-Tier Hyosung Group​ for “technical cooperation in the power industry and discovery of new business models.”

A press release said that Taihan will collaborate on the joint development and commercialization of eco-friendly new materials with Hyosung Chemical​. The plan involves developing eco-friendly polypropylene (PP) material, a next-generation cable insulation material, to achieve localization and boost their competitive edge in the global arena. That use enables a simpler cable production process than those made with traditional XLPE-insulation, resulting in cables with effective power transmission that are suitable for HVDC, a key facility for efficient long-distance transmission. Being a thermoplastic resin, the polypropylene cables are recyclable post-use and have minimal CO2 emissions during the production process, a plus in advanced markets like Europe, where carbon neutrality standards are stringent.

Dallas-based private equity firm Crossplane Capital has completed the acquisition of Distributor Wire and Cable (DWC), a distributor of specialty wire and cable products, for an undisclosed price.

A press release said that the company, founded in 2008 in Denver, Colorado, operates from its five warehouse locations nationwide to supply end users across the industrial, commercial, residential and utility markets. “Since founding DWC, we have focused on building a culture of growth and collaboration, and (this partnership) will help us continue that legacy,” said DWC Founder Bryce Huett.

Insteel Industries, which recently acquired the assets of Engineered Wire Products (EWP), has closed the EWP plant in Warren, Ohio, and will move production there to other Insteel plants.

A press release said that the Warren plant was part of the company’s recent $70 million asset transaction with EWC through its subsidiary, Insteel Wire Products Co. EWC operates wire drawing, welding and mesh fabrication facilities in upper Sandusky and Warren, Ohio.

The plan is to close the Warren facility, where work has ceased and some 35 positions were eliminated. Production there will be shifted to other Insteel plants. “Given the low capacity utilization levels at our Warren facility and the dim prospects for improvement, we believe this action is essential to reducing our operating costs and strengthening our competitive position” said Insteel CEO President and CEO H. Woltz III. Insteel is the nation’s largest manufacturer of steel wire reinforcing products for concrete construction applications. See p. 47 for more details about the company.

Nexans has won a contract from ScottishPower Renewables, part of the Iberdrola Group, to supply the export cable for East Anglia Two (EA2), a 960 MW offshore wind farm in the U.K.

A press release said that Nexans will supply and install approximately 100 km of 275 kV high-voltage subsea export cables and 55 kms of onshore cables. Production of the cable will be done at Nexan plants in Alden, Norway, and Charleroi, Belgium.

Installation work is scheduled to take place in 2027 and 2028, with the project set for completion by the end of 2028. The windfarm is located in the southern North Sea, some 33 km from the Suffolk coast, at its nearest point off Southwold. There are multiple projects involved, including one Nexans also provided the cable for. East Anglia Two, part of the East Anglia Hub, was approved in March 2022 jointly with East Anglia One North. It will host as many as 75 wind turbines. There is also an East Anglia Three. Nexans provided cable for a prior project.