Korea environment ministry hosts second HVDC forum as grid localization push accelerates

The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment said Wednesday it held its second forum on high-voltage direct current transmission technology this year, bringing industry and academic experts to Seoul as it pushes to localize equipment for the country's next-generation power grid.

The meeting at the KEPCO Art Center in Seocho district, southern Seoul, focused on securing domestic technology for the planned West Coast HVDC link between Saemangeum and Seohwaseong and on strengthening the competitiveness of Korean equipment makers. State utility Korea Electric Power Corp., the Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning, heavy electrical equipment manufacturers and academic specialists took part.

HVDC transmission loses far less electricity than conventional alternating-current lines and can improve grid stability, making it essential for connecting large-scale renewable energy. Korea has relied heavily on foreign suppliers for core equipment, with few vendors available.

The ministry is funding development of a 500kV voltage-source converter transformer through a state research program running from September 2025 to December 2027, with 28 billion won ($20.6 million) in government support. HD Hyundai Electric, LS Electric, Hyosung Heavy Industries and Iljin Electric are designing prototypes. In the valve and controller segment, Hyosung Heavy Industries was selected as the lead company in late August.

Wednesday's agenda covered the status of voltage-source HVDC technology development and responses to risk factors, ways to optimize construction stages for the West Coast project, and standardization of domestic technology.

"The West Coast HVDC link is core infrastructure that must be built on time to expand the national power grid," Second Vice Minister Lee Ho-hyeon said. "The government will join forces with industry, academia and research institutes to complete the Saemangeum-Seohwaseong link by 2030 and will spare policy support to strengthen the industrial competitiveness of our companies."