GE has completed an upgrade to one of two high-voltage direct current (HVDC) grid links between the South Korean mainland and Jeju island, increasing capacity for exporting renewable electricity.
The HVDC refurbishment was done in accordance with Korea’s largest electric utility Korea Electric Power Corporation’s (KEPCO) 24-month deadline.
KEPCO power grid senior executive vice president 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 the energy transition in Korea.”
Jeju island, located 100 km south of the peninsula mainland, is the centre of smart grid investments and energy efficiency projects in the country.
KEPCO is supporting the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province as it moves toward the goal of a 2030 Carbon Neutral Island.
Wind and solar farms generate power for the island, and the bi-directional HVDC link now enables any excess power to be transmitted back to the mainland.
The upgrade includes the first commercial application of Grid Solution’s Line Commutated Converter (LCC) valve technology, the H450, as well as an upgrade to the control system and cooling system.