Image source: LS Electric

LS Electric has taken a major step in advancing South Korea's high-voltage direct current (HVDC) technology, supporting the government's $8 billion (₩11 trillion) West Sea Energy Highway Project--a 620-kilometer undersea transmission network scheduled for completion by 2036.

The company was recently selected by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) to participate in the development of a 500-kilovolt (kV) voltage-source HVDC transformer, a core component of the national power grid upgrade. HVDC technology converts alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC) for long-distance transmission, reducing losses and increasing stability--especially critical for undersea and underground networks.

LS Electric has completed the development of a 500-megawatt (MW) voltage-source HVDC conversion transformer, the largest of its kind built in South Korea. The transformer will be deployed in the Shin Bupyeong HVDC Converter Station project, led by KEPCO in Incheon's Bupyeong District. Since 2014, LS Electric has secured four HVDC transformer projects, with total orders exceeding $730 million (₩1 trillion).

The company is also pursuing localization of HVDC valve technology, another essential component of power conversion systems. It has already commercialized current-type thyristor valves and recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with GE Vernova to jointly develop voltage-type valves, marking an important step toward domestic production.

The initiative strengthens LS Electric's role in South Korea's energy transition and power grid modernization, in line with the government's long-term electricity supply and demand strategy.

Source: chosun.com