News Summary
LS GreenLink has commenced construction of a $700 million underwater cable manufacturing facility in Chesapeake, Virginia. This plant aims to enhance the offshore wind energy supply chain and is set to be the largest subsea high-voltage direct-current cable facility in the US. The project will create over 330 jobs and is strategically located to meet the growing demand for renewable energy. Financial support from state and federal programs has been secured, making this a pivotal investment in sustainable energy infrastructure.
Chesapeake, Virginia – LS GreenLink, a subsidiary of South Korea’s LS Cable & System, has officially launched the construction of a $700 million underwater cable manufacturing facility designed to bolster the offshore wind energy supply chain. On April 28, the groundbreaking ceremony marked the beginning of a project set to establish the largest subsea high-voltage direct-current cable manufacturing plant in the United States.
The new facility, which will span approximately 753,473 square feet, is being built on a nearly 100-acre riverfront site in Chesapeake. Construction is slated for completion by the third quarter of 2027, with mass production expected to commence in early 2028. LS GreenLink plans to initially develop about half of the site, featuring a Vertical Continuous Vulcanization (VCV) tower reaching an impressive height of 659 feet, which is projected to become the tallest structure in Virginia.
To facilitate operations, a new pier will be constructed on the Elizabeth River, enabling the direct loading of finished cables onto vessels for shipment. This move addresses the growing demand for submarine power cables critical to offshore wind projects, positioning the facility as a key player in the renewable energy sector.
The project has garnered substantial financial backing, qualifying for up to $147 million in support through state and federal development programs. Additionally, a $99 million investment tax credit was approved under the Biden administration as part of the Inflation Reduction Act. Virginia’s Governor Glenn Youngkin has also announced a $13.2 million grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to aid the development of the facility.
Future Impacts and Job Creation
LS GreenLink’s Chesapeake plant is expected to generate over 330 full-time jobs, providing significant employment opportunities for local residents, including the skilled workforce derived from nearby military installations such as Naval Station Norfolk and Naval Air Station Oceana.
The facility’s location was chosen after careful consideration, with over 30 specific site requirements evaluated before concluding that Chesapeake was optimal for operations on the Eastern Seaboard. The anticipated demand for renewable energy sources is driven by rising power needs from data centers and other industries.
Industry Context and Current Landscape
This initiative comes at a crucial time for the U.S. wind energy sector, which has experienced slowdowns due to changes in regulations under the previous administration. The recent regulatory environment has posed challenges for wind energy development; however, LS GreenLink’s advancement signals a positive shift towards revitalizing the industry.
LS GreenLink has already secured a contract with European grid operator Tennet, establishing the facility’s first customer. Such partnerships reflect the increasing collaboration between U.S. energy manufacturers and international players, highlighting the global nature of the renewable energy mission.
The construction of this facility not only marks a significant investment in renewable energy infrastructure but also aligns with efforts to transition toward cleaner energy sources amidst prevailing climate concerns and energy demands. As the plant nears completion over the coming years, its contributions to the offshore wind sector are poised to expand significantly, enhancing the United States’ capabilities in renewable energy production.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- KED Global: LS GreenLink Launches Underwater Cable Manufacturing Facility
- Wikipedia: Wind Power in the United States
- Pilot Online: Construction of Underwater Cable Plant in Chesapeake
- Google Search: Chesapeake Virginia offshore wind energy
- Business Wire: LS GreenLink Announces Subsea Cable Facility
- Google Scholar: Subsea Cable Manufacturing Environmental Impact
- WAVY: $681M Submarine Cable Plant Planned for Chesapeake
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Renewable Energy
- World Business Outlook: LS GreenLink Acquires Site in Chesapeake
- Google News: Virginia offshore wind projects
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
