LS to Apply Superconducting Power Grid to Data Centers for the First Time in the World

Building the World's First Superconducting Power Grid for Data Centers
LS Cable, LS Electric, and KEPCO Collaborate on Next-Generation Power Infrastructure

LS Cable and LS Electric have joined hands with Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) to build a "superconducting power grid." The companies plan to collaborate on technology to ensure stable power supply for data centers in the era of artificial intelligence (AI).

On July 10, LS Cable and LS Electric announced that they had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with KEPCO for technological cooperation to build a superconducting power grid for data centers. This project is the world's first attempt to apply a superconducting power grid to data centers and is expected to mark a turning point for next-generation power infrastructure.

Gu Jakyun, Chairman of LS Electric, Kim Dongchul, President of Korea Electric Power Corporation, and Gu Bongyu, CEO of LS Cable, are taking a commemorative photo at the signing ceremony held on the 10th at LS Yongsan Tower in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. LS Cable

The superconducting power grid is a next-generation power system that replaces large-scale substations with compact stations about 10% of the size, supplying power through superconducting cables. This system can dramatically reduce installation space while increasing energy efficiency, contributing significantly to both construction cost savings and improved public acceptance.

This agreement is in response to the increasing power demand driven by the rapid growth of AI development and the data center industry. The initiative aims to build a high-efficiency, eco-friendly power grid. KEPCO will be responsible for technological verification of the superconducting system and for revising related regulations. LS Cable will handle the design and production of superconducting cables, while LS Electric will supply superconducting fault current limiters and other power equipment, with each company taking on a specific role.

The superconducting system enables high-capacity power transmission at 154kV levels even with a low voltage of 23kV. This means it is possible to expand power supply without building new substations in complex urban areas. The superconducting fault current limiter instantly blocks fault currents, preventing equipment damage and data loss.

Gu Jakyun, Chairman of LS Electric, stated, "It is a very meaningful starting point that three leading companies in the power industry are working together to build the world's first superconducting power grid for data centers. LS Cable's superconducting cables and LS Electric's superconducting fault current limiters can provide optimal solutions for the large-scale power grid market, where reliability in eco-friendly power supply is essential."

LS Cable, LS Electric, and KEPCO plan to establish a standard model for the superconducting power grid, gradually expand technology development and demonstration, and actively pursue entry into overseas markets in the future.