LS ELECTRIC Co. said on Thursday that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with U.S.-based energy solutions provider GE Vernova Inc. to localize high-voltage direct current (HVDC) conversion equipment in South Korea, targeting both domestic infrastructure projects and global markets.

The agreement, signed on Wednesday at the Grand Hyatt Seoul, will see the two companies cooperate on localizing voltage-type HVDC conversion valves, securing orders within Korea, and jointly pursuing international opportunities. The collaboration combines GE Vernova’s advanced HVDC technology with LS ELECTRIC’s domestic production capabilities.

LS ELECTRIC aims to internalize GE Vernova’s conversion valve expertise to fully localize voltage-type HVDC conversion equipment, building on its earlier success in localizing HVDC conversion transformers.

HVDC technology enables long-distance power transmission by converting alternating current (AC) to high-voltage direct current (DC) and back to AC near end-users. Voltage-type HVDC systems, in particular, are regarded as more effective for both grid stabilization and bi-directional, real-time power flow, which make them an important component of integrating intermittent renewable energy sources.

Industry experts view voltage-type HVDC as a critical technology for Korea’s energy highway across the country’s west coast, a government-led initiative aimed at transmitting offshore wind and renewable energy from Jeolla Province to the Seoul metropolitan area by 2030.

LS ELECTRIC said it will expedite the development of both conversion valve and transformer technologies, positioning itself as a one-stop provider for HVDC conversion solutions to lead large-scale, gigawatt-class projects.

The company previously invested 110 billion won ($80.2 million) in 2011 to build Korea’s first HVDC-dedicated factory in Busan - which manages the full production process from component sourcing to final testing and commissioning - supporting LS ELECTRIC’s ongoing drive for equipment localization.

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