Daewoo Engineering & Construction and KEPCO Collaborate to Advance Tunnel Boring Machine Technology

by Choi Daeyul

Published 15 Apr.2026 09:27(KST)

On April 15, Daewoo Engineering & Construction announced that it had signed a business agreement with Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) to advance TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine) design technology. TBMs are large excavation machines used for constructing tunnels for railways, roads, and electrical conduits.

It is crucial to select equipment suitable for the characteristics of the ground and to develop an optimal operational design. Through this agreement, the two companies have established a comprehensive cooperation system for research and development and technical exchanges related to TBM projects. Specifically, they agreed to share domestic and international TBM excavation databases, jointly verify and enhance predictive models for TBM excavation speed and tool wear, and share know-how in TBM database management systems and equipment inspection. They will also promote both technical and personnel exchanges.

Shim Cheoljin, Head of Civil Engineering Division at Daewoo Construction (right), and Kim Daehan, President of Korea Electric Power Corporation Power Research Institute, are taking a commemorative photo after signing an MOU. Provided by Daewoo Construction

Daewoo Engineering & Construction expects to enhance business stability and construction efficiency by combining its operational expertise with KEPCO's data management capabilities. The two companies also plan to collaborate in the power tunnel sector, which will be essential for the construction of deep underground tunnels and energy highways expected to increase in the future.

A representative from Daewoo Engineering & Construction stated, "We aim to reduce construction risks according to ground conditions and simultaneously improve the safety and efficiency of tunnel construction, thereby enhancing our capabilities in carrying out infrastructure projects, including those involving electrical conduits."