AI NewsWaveLS Electric Chairman Koo Ja-kyun Proposes DC Intelligent Power Grid as Answer to AI Power Crunch
Key points
- Chairman Koo gives keynote at CIRED workshop
- DC-based intelligent power grid proposed as a solution to AI power shortages
- Stresses a virtuous cycle between AI data centers and the power grid
LS Electric Chairman Koo Ja-kyun proposed a direct current (DC)-based intelligent power grid as a solution to meet power demand in the AI era. Koo gave the keynote speech on Nov. 2 at the 2026 International Conference on Electricity Distribution (CIRED) Workshop at the JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul. Hellot, Chosun Biz, The Elec, iNews24, Blotter and Digital Daily reported the news.
Digital Daily reported that Koo named a DC-based intelligent power grid as the sure solution to meet AI power demand. Blotter explained that the idea is to combine DC technology with the existing AC (alternating current)-centered power supply system and use AI to raise the operating efficiency of the grid. The Elec wrote that Koo spoke about raising the reliability of the grid for stable operation of AI data centers while also using AI to operate the grid efficiently. Hellot reported that Koo stressed a virtuous cycle between AI data centers and the power grid.
There were also explanations on the business side. Hellot introduced that LS Electric has won orders for ultra-high-efficiency PCS and data center power solutions in the United States and that the distribution infrastructure market is expected to grow. Blotter reported, in essence, that LS Electric is going after the global distribution market, including North American data centers, with the related technology. Neither outlet gave the order value or the counterparty in its summary.
Recent developments Hellot reported on the 28th that LS Electric will take part in the Bitgaram International Electric Technology Expo (BIXPO) 2026, held at Kim Dae-jung Convention Center in Gwangju from Nov. 4 to 6, and will unveil high-voltage direct current (HVDC) and AI data center power solutions. The same report explained that it will focus on its HVDC converter equipment supply strategy aimed at expanding the national power grid, and will also show solutions for the future power market such as E-STATCOM and K-EMS.
Glossary Direct current (DC) is a way in which current flows in one direction, while alternating current (AC) is a way in which the direction of current changes periodically. HVDC stands for high-voltage direct current, a technology that sends power over long distances using high-voltage DC.