Grid Solutions, a part of GE Renewable Energy business, has completed an upgrade of a 300MW high-voltage direct current (HVDC) link between the South Korean mainland and Jeju Island.

The company upgraded the HVDC link to facilitate efficient bi-directional power transfer, including renewable energy.

Considered to be South Korea’s first HVDC upgrade ever, the project is the first commercial application of Grid Solution’s advanced Line Commutated Converter (LCC) valve technology, H450. The project also involved a control system and cooling system upgrade.

The upgraded control system enables the refurbished 300MW link and the second 400MW link to use GE’s latest algorithms to maintain grid frequency and improve operational control.

HVDC refurbishment was completed to meet the Korea Electric Power Corporation’s (KEPCO’s) 24-month deadline.

The valve technology was developed by Grid Integration Solutions, a division of GE’s Grid Solutions, at the HVDC Center of Excellence in Stafford, UK.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

KEPCO Power Grid senior executive vice-president and member of the board of directors Kim Sung-Arm said: “The reinforcement of the grid to accompany the renewable energy generation objective of the Korean government is critical.

“HVDC transmission, and specifically this upgrade project for Jeju Island, is a critical enabler of this energy transition in Korea.”

With South Korea importing 98% of its fossil fuel for consumption, the government is planning to introduce a number of new energy policies to become more energy independent and cater to its growing demand.

In 2016, GE commissioned HVDC converter stations for Interconexiones del Sur (ISUR) to connect Brazil and Uruguay’s power networks.

Based in Melo, north-east Uruguay, the converter station facilitated an exchange between Brazil’s 60Hz frequency network and Uruguay’s 50Hz via a 500kV, 420km transmission line.