GE Vernova said it will be acquired by Korea Electric Power Corp. through its joint venture, KAPES. (KEPCO) has been chosen to supply its advanced high-voltage direct current (HVDC) system, based on line commutated converter (LCC) technology, for the 500 kV Donghaean #2 to Dong-Seoul HVDC converter station (EP2) project. This project, part of a larger 4 GW HVDC transmission link, is planned to connect South Korea’s east coast power generation complex to the Seoul metropolitan area and is intended to be the largest power grid infrastructure initiative in the country’s history become. The EP2 project is a complement to the EP1 project, which is also being implemented by GE Vernova through KAPES. Together, the EP1 and EP2 projects are designed to provide a stable and reliable power supply to the Seoul metropolitan area, which accounts for approximately 40% of South Korea’s energy demand. Both projects are expected to benefit from GE Vernova’s advanced HVDC technology, designed for efficient energy transmission over long distances and increasing the resilience of the electricity grid to meet growing energy needs. GE Vernova’s scope for the EP2 project includes the engineering and supply of HVDC valves and control systems based on LCC technology, essential for the stable transmission of large-scale energy. The project underlines the increasing demand for technology from GE Vernova’s electrification segment, which continues to grow rapidly.
KEPCO’s vision for a sustainable energy future
KEPCO is prioritizing advanced HVDC technology as a crucial enabler for South Korea’s energy transition. The EP2 project is designed to provide efficient and stable energy transmission to key industrial regions while laying the foundation for a sustainable and resilient energy network. Yu-won Kang, CEO of KAPES, said: “The EP2 project strengthens KAPES’ position as the leading HVDC supplier in Korea in partnership with GE Vernova, and further demonstrates its proven technological expertise and project management capabilities. KAPES is proud to support KEPCO in Korea’s energy transition and play a critical role in stabilizing the country’s power grid.” “Our electrification segment is the fastest growing part of GE Vernova, with significant growth ahead,” said Johan Bindele, business leader at GE Vernova’s Electrification Systems. “We are committed to delivering innovative solutions that electrify the world while decarbonizing, as electrification becomes critical to enabling a sustainable and resilient energy future in Asia and beyond. We are proud of our 26-year relationship with KEPCO. Our continued collaboration reflects our shared commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of energy infrastructure.” “Projects like EP2 are critical in enabling South Korea’s energy transition,” said Shailesh Mishra, regional leader of Grid Systems Integration in Asia Pacific at GE Vernova. “By deploying advanced HVDC technology, we are not only improving the efficiency and reliability of the country’s electricity grid, but also laying the foundation for greater integration of renewable energy. By partnering with KEPCO through KAPES, we can deliver transformative solutions that align with South Korea’s vision for a sustainable energy future.
KAPES: Strengthening South Korea’s power grid
KAPES, a joint venture between KEPCO and GE Vernova founded in 2012, has been instrumental in delivering several key projects that address South Korea’s unique energy needs. In addition to EP1 and EP2, key initiatives include the Buk-Dangjin-Godeok HVDC Link, a 3 GW transmission link delivering power from Dangjin Power Plant to Seoul and surrounding regions, and the Shin-Bupyeong HVDC Link, a 500 GHz transmission link. MW back-to-back voltage source converter (VSC) system in Incheon designed to reduce grid overload. Collectively, these projects underscore KAPES’s role in strengthening South Korea’s power grid and advancing energy infrastructure.
The role of HVDC in Korea’s energy transition
HVDC technology is essential in the global shift to sustainable energy systems, as it supports efficient and reliable energy transmission over long distances. HVDC systems based on LCC technology use thyristor-based power semiconductors to transmit large amounts of power (up to 8 GW) with low energy losses. The ability of these systems to handle bulk power transmission while providing built-in protection against interference makes them ideal for strengthening South Korea’s power grid and supporting renewable energy integration. In South Korea, HVDC aims to improve efficiency and stability in transmitting energy over long distances, supporting bidirectional energy flow and facilitating renewable energy integration. EP2 aims to provide a reliable connection between the East Coast’s power generation facilities and the high-demand metropolitan area, including semiconductor manufacturing centers in Yongin, Incheon and Pyeongtaek. —CURRENT edited this content, which was contributed by the external communications team of GE Vernovas Electrification systems company.
