The project to construct a 500kV Buk Dangjin-Godeok high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line supplying power to the Pyeongtaek semiconductor complex and the southern Seoul metropolitan area, is expected to be fully operational by the end of this year at the earliest. Trade, Industry and Energy Minister Lee Chang-yang visited the construction site of the power network in the Dangjin area on August 2 to encourage smooth preparations to meet completion deadlines.

The “500kV Buk Dangjin-Godeok HVDC project" completed its first phase of construction in December 2020, and is set to complete its second phase in December this year. Through this project, a total of 3GW of power from the West Coast region is expected to be supplied to the southern Seoul metropolitan area, including Pyeongtaek, where the Samsung Electronics semiconductor complex is located. With HVDC technology, it is expected to enhance the stability of the power system by enabling control of transmission capacity and interruption of fault currents.

Minister Lee also inspected the 345kV Bukdangjin-Sintangjung construction site, a project started in 2003 for which the completion date (initially June 2012) has been long delayed. It is expected to be completed by the end of next year with some underground work remaining. The completion of this transmission line is expected to ease power generation limitations in the West Coast region and enhance power supply capacity in the Seoul metropolitan area.

Minister Lee stressed that the importance of timely construction of power networks is not only for the success of new investments in advanced industries, but also for balanced national development. He also added, "The Government will work together with Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) to ensure seamless power supply to the 15 national advanced industrial complexes announced in March and the advanced, materials, parts, and equipment specialized complexes announced in July.”

In addition, he stated that "The Government will establish a new policy support system to dramatically improve regulations and procedures, come up with cooperative models among local governments to enhance regional acceptance, and expand KEPCO's investment capabilities."