The largest high-voltage direct current (HVDC) project in South Korea has officially commenced, setting a new global benchmark for power transmission capacity. LS Cable & System announced on the 24th that it has broken ground on the Donghae-Singhamyeong transmission network, a critical infrastructure initiative led by the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO).
World’s First Commercial 500 kV 90℃ Cable A focal point of this project is the installation of the world’s first commercialized 500 kV 90℃ (high-temperature) HVDC cable. Unlike existing cables with a permissible temperature of 70℃, this high-specification product allows for a 50% increase in transmission capacity. The technology’s reliability was officially validated after passing KEPCO’s rigorous preliminary qualification screening in June.
Powering the Capital The Donghae-Singhamyeong section represents Phase 1 of the broader Donghae-Capital Area Initiative. The primary goal is to transmit power generated in the Donghae region to the populous Seoul Metropolitan Area, significantly enhancing the stability of the national power supply.
LS Cable’s Market Dominance and Expertise As the sole supplier for the entire length of this project, LS Cable & System solidifies its position as the only company in South Korea with execution experience in both submarine and underground HVDC projects. The company’s portfolio includes major domestic milestones such as the Jeju-Jindo, Jeju-Wando, and Bukdangjin-Godeok links.
Kim Hyeong-won, head of LS Cable & System’s Energy/Construction Business Division, emphasized the importance of track record in this high-stakes sector:
“Commercialization experience is key in HVDC projects to secure power grid stability. We will actively expand our participation in major domestic and international projects, such as the West Coast HVDC Energy Highway, the Donghae-Capital Area Phase 2, and the European TenneT project.”
Global Market Implications HVDC technology is increasingly viewed as a cornerstone of the global energy transition due to its lower transmission losses compared to alternating current (HVAC), making it ideal for long-distance, high-capacity transmission. The market is poised for explosive growth, projected to surge from KRW 1.8 trillion in 2018 to approximately KRW 41 trillion by 2030.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held in Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, was attended by approximately 40 key industry figures, including LS Cable’s Kim Hyeong-won and KEPCO executives Kim Ho-ki (HVDC Construction Division) and Kim Dong-kyu (New Transmission Construction Office).
