Bold headline: Taiwans first offshore power cable factory opens, signaling a new era for regional energy independence.
A joint venture between Danish cable maker and installation specialist NKT and Taiwan’s Walsin Lihwa has unveiled Taiwan’s inaugural offshore power cable factory. The facility, operated by Walsin Energy Cable System (WECS), was inaugurated on Saturday, December 6, in Kaohsiung, and spans 231,000 square meters. It features a 50-meter extrusion tower and is set to produce high- and medium-voltage alternating current offshore cables, primarily for Taiwan’s growing offshore wind sector.
Claes Westerlind, CEO of NKT, described the event as a proud milestone: “Since the partnership formed in 2023, Walsin Lihwa and NKT have combined expertise, culture, and vision to build this state-of-the-art offshore cable factory.” He added that the project reflects a shared commitment to accelerating the global clean energy transition and reinforcing critical infrastructure, with NKT contributing to Taiwan’s energy autonomy and net-zero ambitions.
NKT notes that the new facility represents Taiwan’s first localized submarine cable production site, marking the country’s entry into offshore cable manufacturing. Commercial production is planned to begin in 2027 after completing type tests and prequalification.
Yu-Lon Chiao, Chairman of WECS, commented on the collaboration: “We are delighted to work with NKT, whose technology and expertise—together with our commitment to environmental, social, and governance principles—enabled the rapid construction of our submarine cable factory. This partnership is a major milestone in Taiwan’s green energy transition and opens new opportunities for both parties across the Asia-Pacific region.”
Background: In February 2023, the two firms announced the formation of a joint venture to facilitate the factory’s construction. The following month, they signed the necessary agreements to establish the venture and license related services and technology. Groundbreaking occurred in September 2023.
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This rewrite maintains all core facts and timelines while presenting them with enhanced clarity and a more engaging, reader-friendly tone. It highlights the significance of local submarine cable production for Taiwan, the strategic collaboration between NKT and WECS, and the anticipated timeline to commercial operation, inviting readers to consider the broader implications for regional energy security and the global clean energy push.
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