The South Korean government is advancing the implementation of a direct current (DC) power distribution network in response to the growing use of renewable energy, energy storage systems (ESS), and data centers. A plan titled 'Direct Current Industry Activation Plan,' which includes policy, technology, and institutional support measures, is set to be established in the third quarter.
The Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment announced that Minister Kim Sung-hwan will host a 'Direct Current Industry Activation Meeting' on the afternoon of July 29 at the Power Infrastructure Center in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul.
Participants in the meeting will include representatives from Korea Electric Power Corporation, Korea Electronics Technology Institute, Korea Electric Research Institute, LS Electric, HD Hyundai Electric, Hyosung Heavy Industries, LG Electronics, Hanwha, and academic experts.
Solar power generation and ESS produce and store electricity in direct current, and major information technology (IT) equipment in data centers also operates on direct current. Currently, the existing alternating current-based power grid requires a conversion process to utilize direct current. However, using a direct current distribution network can reduce the power conversion stages and enhance efficiency. With the recent expansion of renewable energy and data centers, the importance of related power conversion devices and distribution network technologies has also increased.
During the meeting, Korea Electric Power Corporation will present its plans for the introduction of a direct current distribution network. LS Electric and Hyosung Heavy Industries will introduce their private sector initiatives for direct current projects and propose policies to stimulate the industry. The Korea Electronics Technology Institute will discuss the necessity of fostering the direct current industry and outline technological and institutional challenges.
Based on the feedback provided during the meeting, the Ministry of Climate will refine the policy, technology, and institutional tasks related to the introduction of the direct current distribution network and aims to finalize the 'Direct Current Industry Activation Plan' by the third quarter.
Prior to the meeting, Minister Kim visited the Yangju Converter Station to inspect the domestic 200 MW high-voltage direct current (HVDC) technology, which has been applied for the first time in the Yangju back-to-back (BTB) facility. BTB systems connect different power systems to ensure stable power exchange.
Minister Kim requested updates on the domestic HVDC technology localization status and policy suggestions for industrial activation from Korea Electric Power Corporation and Hyosung Heavy Industries, urging companies to actively invest to enhance the competitiveness of the domestic HVDC industry.
He stated, "As the demand for direct current-based power from renewable energy, energy storage systems, and data centers continues to grow, the direct current industry will be a crucial area that determines the competitiveness of the future power industry. We will nurture the technology and experience accumulated in the country into a future export industry that enhances our companies' export competitiveness."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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