By Tim Ryan
Hampton Roads, get ready to ride the wave of innovation! On April 28, 2025, LS GreenLink USA, a trailblazing subsidiary of South Korea’s LS Cable & System, broke ground on a massive $700 million underwater cable factory in Chesapeake, Virginia. This isn’t just a factory—it’s a bold leap forward for our region’s entrepreneurial spirit, clean energy future, and economic firepower. Here’s why Innovate Hampton Roads is buzzing with excitement!
What’s Happening?
Located at 1213 Victory Boulevard along the Elizabeth River, this 750,000-square-foot facility will produce high-voltage direct current (HVDC) subsea cables to power offshore wind farms. With a 660-foot tower set to become Virginia’s tallest structure, the plant is a marvel of engineering and ambition. LS GreenLink USA, established to bring LS Cable & System’s global expertise to America, is making its first U.S. subsea cable plant a reality right here. Their parent company is a global leader in cable manufacturing, known for cutting-edge solutions in energy and telecom.
Why It Matters to You
This project is a game-changer for Hampton Roads’ innovators and entrepreneurs. The factory will create over 330 full-time jobs, injecting fresh opportunities into our workforce. Backed by a $13.2 million state grant and $99 million in federal tax credits, it’s proof that our region is a magnet for big ideas and bigger investments. For startups and businesses in clean energy, this strengthens our offshore wind supply chain, opening doors to collaborate on renewable energy projects. Plus, the economic ripple effect will fuel local businesses, from suppliers to service providers.
This project is a game-changer for Hampton Roads’ innovators and entrepreneurs. The factory will create over 330 full-time jobs, injecting fresh opportunities into our workforce. Backed by a $13.2 million state grant and $99 million in federal tax credits, it’s proof that our region is a magnet for big ideas and bigger investments. For startups and businesses in clean energy, this strengthens our offshore wind supply chain, opening doors to collaborate on renewable energy projects. Plus, the economic ripple effect will fuel local businesses, from suppliers to service providers.
The Big Picture
Hampton Roads is already a hub for maritime and tech innovation, and LS GreenLink’s arrival cements our role as a clean energy powerhouse. Despite potential policy hurdles, like tariff concerns under new federal leadership, the demand for these cables is unstoppable. This factory positions our region at the forefront of the green revolution, attracting more global players to our shores.
Join the Movement
Innovate Hampton Roads is all about celebrating bold moves like this. LS GreenLink’s factory isn’t just building cables—it’s building our future. Entrepreneurs, dreamers, and innovators, let’s seize this moment to grow, connect, and make Hampton Roads the heart of clean energy innovation.
Innovate Hampton Roads is all about celebrating bold moves like this. LS GreenLink’s factory isn’t just building cables—it’s building our future. Entrepreneurs, dreamers, and innovators, let’s seize this moment to grow, connect, and make Hampton Roads the heart of clean energy innovation.
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