On March 17, 2025, National Grid UK signed framework agreements for high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cable systems with South Korea's Taihan Cable & Solution and Greece's Hellenic Cables respectively, with a total value of 59 billion pounds (approximately 553.7 billion yuan). It plans to advance more than 15 submarine and underground HVDC projects within the next eight years. This initiative aims to address the potential shortage risk in the global HVDC market and ensure the supply chain stability of the UK's clean energy transmission network. According to the agreement, Taihan Cable will gain the qualification to participate in projects worth 21.3 billion pounds (approximately 199.9 billion yuan), and can bid for 525 kV and 320 kV HVDC cable system projects with a maximum term of eight years, becoming a key milestone for its entry into the European market. The consortium composed of Greece's Hellenic Cables and Jan De Nul has obtained the qualification for full-process services including design, manufacturing, and installation, with an initial agreement term of five years, which can be extended to eight years. Jan De Nul is investing in the construction of two 28,000-ton next-generation cable-laying vessels, which will accelerate project progress and support the UK's power grid upgrading and energy transition.