Korea Electric Power Corporation announced on the 10th that, as it pushes ahead with localizing and demonstrating core equipment for large-capacity voltage-source high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission, it has selected Hyosung Heavy Industries as a participant for localization in the valve and controller segment, one of the key HVDC technologies.
KEPCO invited corporations in July to participate in localization in the valve and controller segment. An evaluation panel composed of power and localization experts conducted a comprehensive review on Aug. 31, assessing technology acquisition and localization plans and project execution plans. KEPCO selected Hyosung Heavy Industries, which has advanced from megawatt (MW)-class technology to gigawatt (GW)-class technology since 2025.
For the development of converter transformer technology, another core HVDC technology, and the localization of related equipment, Hyosung Heavy Industries, LS Electric, HD Hyundai Electric, and Iljin Electric have been conducting technology development as a national research project starting in September 2025.
Large-capacity voltage-source HVDC is a power grid technology that efficiently transmits large amounts of electricity over long distances and reliably delivers power produced by renewable energy. However, because a small number of global corporations—such as Hitachi, Siemens, and GE—currently supply the main equipment, securing independent technologies for related equipment and establishing a stable supply chain are necessary to ensure on-time grid build-out and strengthen industrial competitiveness.
Accordingly, the government and KEPCO are concentrating capabilities on developing technologies and localizing equipment for HVDC core technologies—valves and controllers and converter transformers.
A KEPCO official said, "We plan to apply HVDC core equipment developed by domestic corporations to the Saemangeum–Seohwaseong HVDC project to verify performance and reliability on an actual grid," adding, "Through this, we will prove the technological prowess of domestically produced equipment and lay the groundwork for its use in future domestic HVDC projects."