[Exclusive] Surge in Renewable Energy from Honam... 13 Energy Highways to Be Built by 2030

Seven Transmission Lines Originally Planned for 2031 Moved Up by One Year
Honam Region's Renewable Energy Capacity to Expand to 46.1 GW
Half of National Generation Licenses Allocated to Honam Region

Panoramic view of Korea Electric Power Corporation's transmission lines. KEPCO

The "energy highway" project, designed to transmit renewable energy produced in the Honam region to industrial complexes in the Seoul metropolitan area, is gaining momentum. Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) now plans to establish 13 power transmission networks, both on land and undersea, by 2030-an accelerated timeline compared to the original schedule. However, strong opposition from local residents living near the transmission lines is emerging as a major variable.

According to the power industry on December 24, KEPCO has decided to move up the construction schedule for seven transmission lines-Shingyeryong-Bukcheonan, Gwangyang-Shinjangsu, Shinjangsu-Mujuyoungdong, Mujuyoungdong-Shinsejong, Shinsejong-Shinjincheon, Shinjeongeup-Saemangeum#2, and Saemangeum#2-Seohwaseong-from 2031 to 2030, one year earlier than originally planned in its 11th transmission and substation facility plan.

In addition, two power grids-Shinjangseong-Shinjeongeup and Shinjeongeup-Shingyeryong-scheduled for completion by 2029, as well as the Shingangjin-Shinhaenam, Shinhaenam-Shinjangseong, Shingwangju-Shinimsil, and Shinimsil-Shingyeryong transmission lines, which are to be built by 2030, will proceed as planned. As a result, a total of 13 new transmission lines will be added by 2030 to carry renewable energy from the Honam region.

Among these, the Saemangeum#2-Seohwaseong section involves connecting 220 kilometers from Saemangeum in North Jeolla Province to Hwaseong in Gyeonggi Province using a voltage-source high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cable. This project is commonly referred to as the "West Coast Energy Highway." The other power grids will be high-voltage alternating current (AC) transmission networks passing through inland areas.

KEPCO plans to focus on exempting the project from preliminary feasibility studies, localizing HVDC technology, developing 345-kilovolt (kV) underground substation technology, and resolving conflicts with local residents to ensure timely construction of the energy highway. For HVDC, KEPCO is working with power equipment manufacturers to develop gigawatt-level (GW) technology as a national project. The government also plans to establish a special purpose company (SPC) in 2026 for HVDC demonstration projects.

KEPCO is accelerating the energy highway project to prepare for a significant increase in renewable energy production in the Honam region, which has abundant potential for solar and offshore wind energy.

In particular, with the new administration's plan to expand renewable energy facilities from 34 GW in 2024 to 100 GW by 2030, renewable energy output in the Honam region is expected to increase even more rapidly. According to KEPCO, the total nationwide generation capacity licensed for commercial operation by 2030 is 74.6 GW, of which the Honam region accounts for 39 GW, or 52 percent.

If KEPCO's energy highway project proceeds as planned, the Honam region's renewable energy capacity will more than double, rising from 21.3 GW in 2026 to 46.1 GW in 2030.

However, from the outset of the project, there has been fierce resistance from residents and local governments in the Honam and Chungcheong regions through which the transmission lines will pass, posing a significant challenge. Although the National Backbone Power Grid Expansion Act passed the National Assembly and took effect on September 26 to increase public acceptance of transmission lines, opposition among local residents remains strong.

On November 28, civic groups and residents from Gwangju and South Jeolla officially launched the "Gwangju-Jeonnam Countermeasures Committee Against Transmission and Substation Lines" in front of KEPCO's headquarters in Naju, South Jeolla, calling for the suspension of the project. On November 6, more than 20 civic groups and progressive parties in South Chungcheong formed the "Chungnam Transmission Tower Cancellation Countermeasures Committee" to oppose the government's plan to construct transmission lines from Honam to the Seoul metropolitan area. These groups continue to stage protests in front of KEPCO's Naju headquarters and local branches, demanding a halt to the transmission line construction.

Local government councils are also joining the opposition. On December 19, the Yeonggwang City Council in South Jeolla issued a statement calling for the complete cancellation of the transmission line construction project. On December 15, the Sejong Special Self-Governing City Council adopted a resolution urging a full review of KEPCO's planned "345 kV Shingyeryong-Bukcheonan Transmission Line Construction Project."