South Korea Launches National Grid Expansion, Including 99 Transmission Line and Substation Projects, HVDC Strategy, and Grid Stabilization Measures.

Seoul, South Korea: The South Korean government has designated 99 transmission line and substation construction projects as part of the national backbone grid development, marking the official launch of the “Energy Highway” initiative—a top priority in the government's energy policy.

The decision was made during the inaugural meeting of the National Backbone Grid Expansion Committee, chaired by Prime Minister Kim Min-seok. Experts from various ministries, local governments, and the private sector attended the meeting. The Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment announced it will implement a whole-of-government governance framework under the Grid Special Act to accelerate grid expansion.

The 99 projects include constructing the West Coast Energy Highway in the 2030s and the U-shaped Highway in the 2040s. To support development, the government plans to implement special case permits, expand resident support, and jointly build highway grid infrastructure.

The meeting also adopted a strategy to promote the high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission industry, targeting the development and demonstration of large-capacity voltage-source HVDC transmission by 2030 to pave the way for export-driven industrialization.

To stabilize the grid during low-load periods on the Gyeongbu Line, the government designated a special response period from September 20 to October 16 and is operating an emergency response team.

Following the talks, both sides signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly construct a high-voltage direct current converter station on the west coast and establish a company specializing in high-voltage direct current transmission demonstration projects.

Prime Minister Kim Jong-un emphasized that while building a balanced and stable national power grid, it is crucial to foster social consensus and minimize conflicts.