Korea discusses HVDC tech localization & West Coast grid expansion
The Ministry of Climate and Energy Environment hosted a forum on September 30, 2026, to discuss localizing core High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) technology and ensuring the timely completion of the Saemangeum-Seohwaseong West Coast HVDC project by 2030. This initiative addresses high foreign dependency for essential grid infrastructure.
Our take
How is Korea addressing its reliance on foreign HVDC technology for grid expansion?
Korea's strategic push to localize core HVDC equipment, backed by 28 billion KRW in national R&D funding and a 2030 target for the Saemangeum-Seohwaseong line, aims to mitigate high foreign technology dependence and enhance grid stability for large-scale renewable integration.
The current reliance on limited foreign suppliers for critical HVDC components poses a supply chain risk and hinders the timely expansion of the national grid, particularly for integrating significant renewable energy capacity from the West Coast. By fostering domestic development and standardization through multi-vendor compatibility, the government seeks to secure a stable, competitive supply chain, reduce costs, and accelerate project deployment, thereby improving the overall reliability and resilience of the electricity transmission system.
What the source says
- Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment is pursuing a national R&D project to develop 500kV-class voltage-source converter transformers, a core HVDC component.
- The national R&D project for HVDC converter transformers is scheduled from September 2025 to December 2027, with 28 billion KRW in national funding.
- Lee Ho-hyun Vice Minister Lee Ho-hyun stated that the Saemangeum-Seohwaseong West Coast HVDC is critical national grid infrastructure that must be built on time by 2030.
- A key challenge for HVDC deployment is high reliance on foreign technology for core equipment and a limited number of overseas suppliers.
- Hyosung Heavy Industries was selected as the lead company for developing HVDC valve and controller technologies in late August.
- The forum discussed ensuring compatibility among equipment from multiple manufacturers and establishing domestic technology standards for HVDC.
- The government aims to link HVDC technology development with demonstration projects to achieve commercialization.
For investors — Investors should monitor progress on domestic HVDC technology development and standardization efforts, as successful localization could reduce project costs and accelerate grid expansion for renewable energy integration, potentially creating new opportunities for domestic equipment suppliers.
Watch: Announcement of specific HVDC equipment standardization guidelines or demonstration project awards.
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