Transmission technologies at BIXPO
Major Korean power companies showcased next-generation transmission technologies targeting the west coast energy highway project. Taihan Cable & Solution highlighted submarine cables and large-capacity transmission technology, LS Cable & System and LS Marine Solution emphasized cable manufacturing and subsea installation capabilities, and Hyosung Heavy Industries presented power conversion systems. Power infrastructure technology for artificial intelligence (AI) data centers has also emerged as an area of competition.
According to industry sources on November 4, Taihan Cable & Solution, LS Cable & System, LS Marine Solution and Hyosung Heavy Industries unveiled extra-high-voltage direct current (HVDC) technologies and power grid solutions at BIXPO 2026, held at the Kim Dae-jung Convention Center in Gwangju from November 4 to November 6. Approximately 200 Korean and international companies are participating in the event, hosted by Korea Electric Power Corporation.
At the exhibition, 525 kV submarine cable technology for transmitting large amounts of electricity over long distances emerged as a major focus. Taihan Cable & Solution unveiled a 525 kV HVDC submarine cable and a model of a dedicated cable-laying vessel. It also introduced its second submarine cable plant, which is under construction with a target of starting operations in 2027, and an HVDC test center capable of testing cables rated up to 640 kV.
LS Cable & System highlighted its 525 kV, 80°C HVDC submarine cable technology, which has passed long-term reliability testing. LS Marine Solution is building a vessel capable of transporting and laying up to 13,000 tonnes of cable. The two companies emphasized their integrated capabilities spanning cable production, subsea installation and maintenance.
Power conversion and transmission capacity
In power conversion, Hyosung Heavy Industries highlighted domestically developed technology. Selected in September for Korea Electric Power Corporation's project to localize and demonstrate large-capacity voltage-source HVDC technology, Hyosung Heavy Industries presented an HVDC system including valves and controllers. It also exhibited STATCOM equipment for grid stabilization, solid-state transformers (SST) and an AI-based power equipment management platform.
Technology for increasing the capacity of existing transmission grids was also unveiled. Taihan Cable & Solution presented for the first time a 345 kV large-capacity transmission cable it is jointly developing with Korea Electric Power Corporation. The product increases transmission capacity by expanding the conductor cross-sectional area from the existing maximum of 2,500 mm² to 3,200 mm² and is expected to reduce grid construction costs and construction time.
AI data center infrastructure
AI data centers are also attracting attention as a new market for power infrastructure. LS Cable & System introduced power and communications technologies needed for data centers, including superconducting cables, bus ducts and communications cables. Its aim is to address both large-capacity transmission grid projects centered on the west coast energy highway and demand for data center power.
Original Korean article: m-i.kr
English brief by Korea Wind Intelligence, koreawindintel.com
