South Korean power utility Kepco (Korea Electric Power Corporation) has outlined a first feasibility report on the development of a cross-border power grid system, the Northeast Asia Super Grid, which would connect South Korea with China, Russia and Japan. The document has been submitted to the South Korean Parliament.
The plan is expected to cost KRW7,200-8,600bn (US$6.2-7.6bn), of which KRW2,900bn (US$2.6bn) for connecting South Korea's western port of Incheon with China's eastern port of Weihai via 370 km of subsea power cables. Approximately KRW2,400bn (US$2.1bn) would be invested to link Vladivostok in the Russian Far East to the northern part of Gyeonggi Province using 1,000 km of land cables via North Korea. Eventually, Goseong in South Gyeongsang Province (South Korea) would be linked with either Kitakyushu or Matsue (Japan) via undersea cables worth between KRW1,900bn (US$1.7bn) and KRW3,300bn (US$2.9bn).
Kepco is pushing for this energy scheme to secure stable power supply as the South Korean government has been shifting its focus from coal and nuclear power to renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. The development of the project could resolve concerns over the stable power supply to complement the intermittent energy grid system under the current energy transformation policy. Besides, importing power from Russia and China could help South Korea to reduce domestic electricity costs and cut greenhouse emissions.
The project has a long way to go since it requires massive investment and the route involving North Korea is currently not feasible due to the international sanctions on the country.