{
  "language": "en",
  "interfaceLanguage": "ar",
  "url": "https://voltformer.com/ar/news/kepco-accelerates-east-coast-seoul-500kv-hvdc-converter-stations-semiconductor-cluster",
  "slug": "kepco-accelerates-east-coast-seoul-500kv-hvdc-converter-stations-semiconductor-cluster",
  "category": "transmission-substations",
  "publishDate": "2026-09-28",
  "sourceName": "Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) & Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE)",
  "sourceUrl": "https://home.kepco.co.kr/kepco/EN/A/htmlView/ENAAHP001.do?pageCode=EN0101",
  "readingTimeMinutes": 5,
  "tags": [
    "KEPCO",
    "HVDC 500kV",
    "Converter Transformers",
    "Semiconductor Cluster",
    "South Korea",
    "East Coast Seoul",
    "Underground Transmission",
    "LCC HVDC"
  ],
  "content": {
    "title": "KEPCO Accelerates 500 kV East Coast–Seoul HVDC Converter Stations to Power Semiconductor Mega-Clusters",
    "summary": "Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) and joint-venture partners have advanced construction milestones for the 500 kV East Coast–East Seoul HVDC transmission corridor, deploying heavy-duty converter transformers and 90°C high-temperature underground HVDC cables to deliver 8 GW of base-load clean power to the Yongin semiconductor cluster.",
    "sections": [
      {
        "heading": "Powering the World’s Largest Semiconductor Manufacturing Hub",
        "paragraphs": [
          "The greater Seoul metropolitan area accounts for over 40% of South Korea’s national electricity demand and hosts world-leading semiconductor manufacturing fabs in Yongin and Pyeongtaek. To overcome severe transmission bottlenecks preventing coastal nuclear and renewable generation from reaching inland fabs, KEPCO is executing the multi-trillion won East Coast–Seoul 500 kV HVDC link.",
          "The project comprises Phase 1 (Donghae to Sin Gapyeong) and Phase 2 (Donghae to East Seoul), utilizing a combination of overhead mountainous transmission corridors and 85.5 km sections of 500 kV high-temperature underground XLPE cable systems."
        ]
      },
      {
        "heading": "High-Capacity 500 kV Converter Transformers and Valve Hall Integration",
        "paragraphs": [
          "At the terminal converter stations, KEPCO and technology partners KAPES (a joint venture with GE Vernova) and LS Electric are installing single-phase 500 kV converter transformers designed to withstand the rigorous harmonics and DC bias voltages characteristic of high-power Line Commutated Converter (LCC) and Voltage Source Converter (VSC) topologies.",
          "The converter transformers feature specialized oil-barrier insulation systems and ester/mineral hybrid dielectric shielding to minimize partial discharge and prevent localized core saturation during rapid power ramping between 2 GW blocks."
        ]
      },
      {
        "heading": "Strategic Transition to Domestic HVDC Standardization",
        "paragraphs": [
          "Beyond securing critical power for chip manufacturing, the project marks a watershed in South Korea’s indigenous power engineering capability. Domestic manufacturers—including LS Cable & System, Taihan Cable, and Iljin Electric—are producing the 500 kV cables and neutral lines, while domestic transformer facilities localize high-voltage bushings and tap-changers.",
          "Commercial operation of the primary HVDC stages is scheduled between late 2026 and 2028, laying the foundation for the planned 620 km West Coast Underwater HVDC Highway."
        ]
      }
    ]
  },
  "companies": []
}