LS Electric and GE Vernova Form HVDC Partnership in South Korea
The South Korean HVDC transmission market received a significant boost this week with the announcement of a strategic partnership between LS Electric and GE Vernova, aimed at advancing the localization of voltage source converter (VSC) HVDC technology in Korea. The memorandum of understanding (MOU), signed on July 23, 2025, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Seoul, represents a critical milestone in South Korea's push toward energy independence and grid modernization.
The partnership brings together LS Electric Chairman Koo Ja-kyun and GE Vernova Electrification Division CEO Philip Piron in a collaboration designed to leverage GE Vernova's advanced converter valve technology with LS Electric's established production infrastructure. This alliance specifically targets the localization of gigawatt-scale VSC HVDC converter valves, a cornerstone technology for South Korea's evolving power grid architecture.
The partnership addresses a gap in South Korea's HVDC supply chain by focusing on converter valve technology. Unlike traditional line-commutated converter (LCC) systems, VSC HVDC technology offers superior capabilities for renewable energy integration, including bidirectional power flow control, grid-forming capabilities, and enhanced voltage regulation.
LS Electric has already demonstrated significant progress in HVDC localization, having successfully completed the domestic manufacturing of HVDC converter transformers. The company's Busan facility, established in 2011 with an investment of KRW 110 billion, represents Korea's first dedicated HVDC manufacturing plant and provides the foundation for this expanded partnership.
The strategic importance of this collaboration extends beyond mere technology transfer. As Philippe Piron, CEO of GE Vernova's Electrification Systems, noted: "This collaboration marks a new chapter in our long-standing relationship with LS Electric. By advancing VSC HVDC technology and supporting local manufacturing in Korea, we are not only helping build a more resilient and flexible grid, but also reinforcing our commitment to enabling the country's energy transition and infrastructure goals".
The partnership directly supports South Korea's ambitious West Coast Energy Highway project, a transformative infrastructure initiative designed to transmit renewable energy from the southwestern Honam region to the metropolitan Seoul area by 2030. This 620-kilometer HVDC network, with a transmission capacity of 8 gigawatts and an estimated cost of 7.9 trillion won, represents one of the most significant power infrastructure projects in Korean history.
The West Coast Energy Highway exemplifies the critical role of HVDC technology in enabling large-scale renewable energy integration. The project aims to deliver wind and solar energy generated in Korea's southwestern regions to high-demand areas in the Seoul metropolitan region, addressing the geographical mismatch between renewable energy resources and consumption centers.
President Lee Jae-myung's administration has accelerated the timeline for this project, advancing completion from the original 2036 target to 2030, with the first segment now scheduled for operation in 2031. This acceleration underscores the urgency of developing domestic HVDC capabilities and reducing dependence on foreign technology suppliers.
From a technical perspective, the collaboration addresses several critical aspects of HVDC system development. Converter valves represent one of the most technologically sophisticated components in VSC HVDC systems, requiring advanced power electronics expertise and precise manufacturing capabilities. GE Vernova's technology transfer will enable LS Electric to develop these capabilities domestically, reducing supply chain risks and improving project economics.
The partnership structure allows for phased technology development, with initial focus on converter valve localization, followed by broader system integration capabilities. This approach aligns with LS Electric's existing strengths in transformer manufacturing while expanding into higher-value power electronics components.
LS Electric's strategy extends beyond the domestic market, with the company positioning itself for international expansion. The partnership with GE Vernova provides access to global HVDC expertise and potentially opens new market opportunities, particularly as demand for VSC HVDC technology grows worldwide.
