South Korea: LS Electric has emerged as a key beneficiary of South Korea’s flagship “West Coast Energy Highway” initiative, following the successful development of a 500 MW voltage-type HVDC transformer, the largest of its kind in the country.
The company has completed inspection tests and is preparing for commercialisation. The new transformer will be deployed at KEPCO’s Sinpyeong HVDC converter station in Galsan-dong, Bupyeong-gu, Incheon, marking a major milestone for Korea’s ultra-high-voltage direct current transmission capability.
The West Coast Energy Highway Project will span 620 km of undersea transmission links along the west coast, connecting renewable-rich Honam to the metropolitan region. Originally scheduled for completion in 2036, the government has advanced the target date to 2030 and earmarked $8 B (₩11.5 trillion) for investment, $3.4 B (₩4.8 trillion) of which is dedicated to converter facilities.
HVDC technology converts alternating current (AC) from power plants into direct current (DC) for long-distance transmission before reconverting it near demand centres. The voltage-type HVDC design enables real-time, bidirectional power control, crucial for integrating large-scale renewable energy sources.
Since becoming Korea’s sole HVDC converter supplier in 2013, LS Electric has secured four major projects worth nearly $700 M (₩1 trillion). In 2024, it signed a $393 M (₩561 billion) contract with KEPCO for 40 converters under the East Coast–Dong Seoul 500 kV HVDC expansion.
The company is also localising HVDC valve technology through a partnership with GE Vernova, supporting Korea’s drive for self-reliance in grid infrastructure.
“By localising HVDC technology, LS Electric will enhance national energy security and strengthen its global competitiveness,” said Chairman Koo Ja-kyun.
Source: Maeil Business Newspaper
