KEPCO President Kim Dongchul: "Leading the Three Major Mega Projects at the Forefront"

Proactive Establishment of Power Supply Base in Response to Surging Electricity Demand
Securing Operational Capabilities of Power Grid to Meet Demand
Comprehensive Review of Power Grid Construction via the Mega Project Power Grid Task Force

Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) is accelerating the construction of its power grid and innovation in the power industry through artificial intelligence (AI) to respond to the electricity demand generated by the three major mega projects: semiconductors, AI data centers, and physical AI. The company’s strategy is to proactively establish a supply base before large-scale electricity demand materializes, and to secure power grid operational capabilities that can respond to rapidly changing demand.

On July 16, the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, the Special Integrated City of Jeonnam-Gwangju, and KEPCO held discussions at the Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Integrated City Hall regarding detailed power supply plans for the Honam semiconductor cluster and prepared a provisional plan. Specifically, in order to supply electricity during the initial phase of the Honam semiconductor industrial complex, they reviewed viable supply routes from the adjacent power grids on the Sinjangseong/Singwangju transmission line to the planned site. During the discussion, they agreed to prioritize utilizing sites along the Hwangryong River and Local Road No. 49 for the power supply. The final plan will be confirmed in consultation with relevant ministries and corporations. The agencies also determined that the essential infrastructure for stable power supply must be in place in advance to ensure timely operation of the semiconductor industrial complex by 2030. Consequently, they decided to establish the first phase of the supply route, including underground cabling, by the end of 2029.

Kim Dongcheol, President of Korea Electric Power Corporation, is speaking at the '2026 Company-wide Innovation Workshop' held at the headquarters in Naju. KEPCO

Earlier, on July 8, KEPCO launched the “Mega Project Timely Power Grid Construction Task Force (TF).” This task force will oversee the entire process of power grid construction—from establishing supply plans and shortening construction periods to supply chain management and coordinating with central and local governments. KEPCO also plans to integrate the site selection processes for substations and transmission lines, refine local fiscal support policies, and shorten grid construction periods by leveraging advanced construction methods. In addition, the company is pursuing AI-based power grid operation. On July 16, KEPCO launched the “Energy AI Innovation Forum” with the Korea Artificial Intelligence Software Industry Association (KOSA), forming a standing consultative body of government, academia, research, and industry experts to discuss energy-sector AI use cases, including data governance, AI security, AI infrastructure, and physical AI.

Kim Dongchul, President of KEPCO, highlighted at the company-wide innovation workshop on July 13 the importance of dedicating all resources and capabilities to an unprecedented power supply initiative for the success of the three key mega projects. President Kim said, “As we enter the new era of limitless competition in the energy sector, it is vital that we deliver essential electricity to high-tech industries, timely and stably, to achieve our vision as an ‘Electric Power Nation.’ Let us be at the forefront of implementing these three mega projects, driving ecosystem innovation based on cutting-edge power technology, and achieving a new leap as a global top utility.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.