HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is making significant strides in the renewable energy sector, particularly in offshore wind power technology. In March, the holding company HD Hyundai added renewable energy to its business objectives through a shareholders’ meeting, signaling a strategic shift towards sustainable energy solutions. By May, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries had established the Offshore Energy Business Division within its Shipbuilding and Marine Business Unit, further solidifying its commitment to this new direction.

The company’s corporate research institute has recently embarked on developing basic design technology for floating offshore substations, according to industry sources on August 20. These substations are crucial for converting electricity produced by wind turbines into high voltage and transmitting it to land, especially in waters deeper than 150 meters. This development marks a significant departure from HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ previous practice of manufacturing according to the designs of ordering parties, as the company now aims to secure its own technology.

“This is a preemptive measure to enter the global offshore wind power market, which is expected to grow to 447 gigawatts (GW) by 2032,” said an industry source. The global market’s projected growth underscores the importance of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ efforts to enhance its capabilities in this sector.

In July 2021, the “10MW-class Korean Offshore Wind Power Floating Structure Model,” jointly developed by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Korean Register (KR), and Korea Research Institute of Ships and Ocean Engineering (KRISO), received basic approval (AIP) from KR. This milestone highlights the company’s ongoing commitment to advancing offshore wind power technology.

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is also developing the substructure for an 18-megawatt (MW) floating offshore wind turbine. Additionally, the research institute is working on external commissioned research to develop appendages that reduce the motion of floating offshore wind turbines, further enhancing the efficiency and stability of these structures.

In a related development, HD Hyundai Electric, an affiliate of HD Hyundai Group, has partnered with General Electric (GE) of the United States to start producing wind turbines. This collaboration is expected to leverage GE’s expertise in wind turbine technology, providing a significant boost to HD Hyundai’s renewable energy initiatives.

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ strategic shift towards developing its own technology for offshore wind power is part of a broader effort to secure a competitive edge in the global market. The company’s historical expertise in shipbuilding and marine engineering provides a strong foundation for this new venture.

Source: Businesskorea