LS Electric to Supply Entire HVDC Conversion Equipment Worth 561 Billion KRW for East Coast to Capital Region Project

Stable Power Transmission for the Seoul Metropolitan Area Semiconductor Cluster

LS Electric has once again demonstrated its technological prowess by supplying key converter transformers for the Donghaean~Capital Region Ultra High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission project, the largest power infrastructure project in South Korea.

On the 2nd, LS Electric announced that it signed a contract to supply 40 converter transformers (CTRs) worth 561 billion KRW for the second phase of the "500kV Donghaean-Dongseoul HVDC Converter Facility Construction Project" commissioned by Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO). This contract was signed with KAPES, the lead company for the HVDC project.

With this contract, LS Electric has secured all orders for the second phase following the 24 converter transformers won in the first phase for the Donghaean~Singapyeong section, solidifying its domestic leadership in the HVDC field.

The 500kV Donghaean~Capital Region HVDC construction project is being promoted to resolve large-scale power generation constraints and to supply stable power to semiconductor clusters in the Capital Region (Yongin, Icheon, Pyeongtaek). Unlike conventional transformers (TRs), the CTRs supplied by LS Electric are special transformers equipped with advanced insulation design and cooling technology to control harmonics and DC stress during the AC to DC conversion process.

HVDC CTR high-voltage test scene of LS Electric. Provided by LS Electric

LS Electric is the only domestic company that has successfully produced and delivered HVDC CTRs. With the order for the second phase, it has established itself as a leader in domestic power system solutions. Since being selected as a core technology transfer partner of KAPES, established by KEPCO and GE (formerly Alstom) in 2013, LS Electric has expanded its cooperation with GE. Through this, it secured DC insulation design and production technology and successfully executed the Bukdangjin~Godeok HVDC project.

Recently, LS Electric signed an agreement with GE Vernova to target the global market and decided to expand the transformer production facilities at its Busan plant. Through this, it plans to accelerate its entry into the European and U.S. transmission and distribution renewable energy markets.

HVDC is an essential technology for reliably linking various power sources such as renewable energy and nuclear power generation. The HVDC market is rapidly growing due to the recent global energy transition and European energy security issues. Its importance is also increasing domestically due to rising power demand.

An LS Electric official stated, "We will contribute to strengthening national industrial competitiveness through this project," adding, "As the HVDC market is rapidly growing in line with the global energy transition, we will actively pursue overseas market expansion."