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ABB secures major South Korea?s grid deal

Large order for converter stations will increase power and grid stability on South Korea?s Jeju Island. (Image source: ABB)

ABB has secured a major deal from Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), South Korea?s electric utility, to build two new HVDC converter stations on Jeju Island

The deal will see one station on the mainland convert power from alternative current (AC) to direct current (DC) and transfers the electricity by undersea cable to Jeju Island for distribution.

The HVDC converter stations will provide an additional 200 megawatt (MW) of power to the island, enough to provide electricity to 500,000 homes. In addition, the voltage source conversion (VSC) technology will also enable KEPCO to operate the island?s existing interconnections more efficiently by providing additional stability and by minimising the risk of power outages.

Claudio Fac-chin, president of ABB?s Power Grids business, said, ?ABB is committed to supporting South Korea?s 2030 goal to a significant reduction of its carbon dioxide emissions. Our partnership with KEPCO is yet another important milestone toward achieving this ambition.?

?ABB market-leading HVDC systems will enable a greener and stronger grid and benefit both the local population, as well as the millions of tourists, who visit Jeju Island every year,? he added.

ABB will use its voltage source converter technology HVDC light for the two converter stations.

HVDC is the most efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to transport large amounts of electricity over long distances, with minimal electrical losses of around one per cent.

Its compact design incorporates advanced features like regulating grid fluctuations and fast power restoration in the event of an outage. These features provide economic benefits for the network operator and reliable electricity for consumers.