Nvidia's DC Transition Roadmap... Korean Power Industry Responds With Voltage Scaling and DC Infrastructure [Era of Direct Current]②

Application of DC Facilities Starting in 2027
Korean Power Industry Formulating Short- and Long-Term Plans
Pushing for Higher Voltage and DC Infrastructure
"Ultimately, Operational and Management Capabilities Matter Most"

South Korea's power equipment industry is accelerating efforts to upgrade data center power networks in line with NVIDIA's proposed "800-volt direct current (DC) roadmap." Moving beyond simple equipment supply, these companies are targeting structural changes such as voltage upgrades and DC conversion as future growth drivers. The three major power companies—LS ELECTRIC, HD Hyundai Electric, and Hyosung Heavy Industries—are responding in the short term to the increase in distribution voltage in the U.S. market, while in the mid- to long-term, they are seeking to expand their business scope into internal data center power networks by promoting semiconductor transformers and DC circuit breakers.

According to the power industry on April 22, power equipment manufacturers are formulating both short- and long-term response strategies to align with NVIDIA's 800-volt DC-based data center roadmap. This shift to DC-based power infrastructure inevitably requires comprehensive changes to voltage systems and equipment structures.

Korean Power Industry Moves in Step with NVIDIA Roadmap

In the short term, the industry expects a rapid increase in distribution-end voltages. This is due to higher initial voltages for DC conversion within data centers and a surge in power demand from individual centers. Industry experts believe that among the 7.6 kV, 13.2 kV, and 38 kV systems used in the United States, the proportion of 38 kV systems will increase.

In the mid- to long-term, there is a possibility that both the internal networks and distribution grids of data centers will shift to a DC-centric model. As a result, demand is expected to rise for transformers, distribution equipment, and protection devices that can ensure stable power supply at high voltage. Core equipment such as semiconductor transformers, DC conversion devices, and circuit breakers are also being highlighted as potential new market frontrunners.

Power equipment companies are strengthening their product and solution offerings to keep up. LS ELECTRIC, for example, is responding in the short term to increased demand for power equipment resulting from voltage upgrades in the data center power supply market, while also building a portfolio that includes DC-based power devices and power conversion solutions for the long term. An LS ELECTRIC representative said, "LS possesses DC technology across all stages from ultra-high voltage to distribution, enabling us to provide comprehensive solutions for both inside and outside data centers. We are already prepared to shift the market landscape."

Hyosung is currently focusing on developing semiconductor transformers. These next-generation power conversion devices integrate transformer and power conversion functions using power semiconductors, and are seen as a core technology to simplify the complex conversion structures required by NVIDIA's 800V DC environment. Since 2018, Hyosung has developed the world's first 22.9 kV, 1.05 MVA-class semiconductor transformer through a national project. The company also plans to integrate this with its existing technologies, such as energy storage systems (ESS) and transformers, to expand its data center power solution business.

HD Hyundai Electric claims it can address data center power infrastructure needs based on its capabilities in switchboards, transformers, and switchgear. The company has secured core component technologies, including DC power converters optimized for high efficiency and low heat generation in data centers, and next-generation solid-state circuit breakers (SSCBs) that can interrupt power at ultra-high speeds. In 2023, HD Hyundai Electric became the first in the world to commercialize a 1-megawatt (MW) DC distribution system for buildings. A company representative emphasized, "We are designing optimal DC distribution equipment based on actual operational expertise and will focus on providing DC infrastructure solutions optimized for the evolving data center market."

The Market Is Growing, but ‘Stability’ Is Key

NVIDIA's Artificial Intelligence (AI) Data Center Factory Rendering. NVIDIA

The power industry sees this trend as the starting point of an industrial restructuring. If, as NVIDIA envisions, 800-volt DC is supplied right up to server racks, the role of power equipment companies will expand into the interior of data centers. Thus, establishing new standards for power supply and control in different areas within data centers has emerged as a key task. An industry official stated, "As the range of DC supply expands, it is time to develop new strategies for how far to supply and control electricity in specific zones, such as the 'white zone' (server installation space)."

Jin-O Lee, Professor at Korea Institute of Energy Technology, said, "The three major domestic power equipment companies have the capability to manufacture 800-volt-class devices, but real market leadership will depend on operational solutions. The ability to manage power operations in line with AI training schedules and to immediately reroute power in the event of equipment failure will become core competitive advantages."

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