Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) has completed the ±150 kV Wando–Dongjeju high voltage direct current (HVDC) project, enhancing the power supply to Jeju Island.
The project, with a capacity of 200 MW, includes a 98-km undersea cable that increases the power transfer from the mainland to Jeju from 360 MW to 600 MW, raising the supply reserve ratio from 14.3 per cent to 30.8 per cent. The submarine cable was installed in December 2023, and the conversion equipment was tested and stabilised by September 2024.
This HVDC expansion addresses Jeju’s rising electricity demand driven by tourism and development. It is also expected to reduce reliance on costly local generators, saving about KRW20 billion annually in power purchase costs.