LS Cable & System and LS ELECTRIC signed a memorandum of understanding with Korea Electric Power Corp. to develop superconducting power infrastructure for data centers, marking another attempt by South Korean firms to capitalize on surging demand for AI-ready facilities.
The partnership seeks to commercialize technology that transmits 154kV-class power at lower 23kV voltage levels, potentially eliminating the need for new substations in urban areas. Proposed stations would occupy one-tenth the space of conventional substations, according to the companies’ joint statement.
However, the project faces significant technical and economic hurdles. Superconducting systems require expensive cryogenic cooling to maintain their zero-resistance properties, potentially offsetting efficiency gains. Implementation costs remain high, with specialized materials and cooling infrastructure requiring substantial upfront investment.
The announcement comes as global data center electricity consumption could double to 1,065 terawatt-hours by 2030, driven by artificial intelligence workloads. South Korea’s data center capacity is projected to reach 3.2 gigawatts by 2027, creating pressure for more efficient power delivery systems.
LS Electric already holds a 60% market share in South Korea’s commercial data center power infrastructure, positioning the company to benefit from any successful deployment. The memorandum establishes a framework for technical cooperation but stops short of committing specific investment amounts or deployment timelines.
