HD Hyundai will showcase future power grid solutions ranging from eco-friendly ultra-high voltage power equipment to DC (direct current) distribution and ESS (energy storage systems) at 'Smart Energy Plus (SEP) 2026,' held from the 28th to the 30th in Hall B of COEX in Seoul Samsung-dong. The exhibition booth will introduce key products and technologies in the transmission and distribution sectors, while the conference will reveal strategies for responding to the global market amid surging transformer demand driven by the expansion of AI (artificial intelligence) data centers.
Hosted by the National Assembly Hydrogen Economy Forum and co-organized by Money Today and COEX, 'SEP 2026' will be held under the themes of "Energy Circulation in the AI Era" and "Energy Security Amid Shifting International Conditions." HD Hyundai Electric will unveil its unparalleled transmission and distribution technological capabilities at this exhibition under the slogan "Transforming Power, Connecting the Future."
One of the key products on display is the SF6 (sulfur hexafluoride)-free gas-insulated switchgear (GIS). This eco-friendly power equipment does not use sulfur hexafluoride gas. In particular, the 420kV-class eco-friendly GIS is a product that HD Hyundai Electric was the first in Korea and the third in the world to successfully develop. The exhibition will also feature key power equipment such as phase-shifting transformers, which control power flow to enhance transmission grid operational efficiency, and explosion-proof transformers with enhanced safety.
DC distribution solutions, whose demand is surging due to recent expansions in AI data centers and renewable energy, offer a distinctive highlight. A comprehensive lineup of advanced technologies supporting stable DC system operation will be on display, including DC air circuit breakers (ACB), molded case circuit breakers (MCCB), miniature circuit breakers (MCB), surge protective devices (SPD), and digital power meters. Additionally, the exhibition will introduce the cutting-edge smart ecosystem of the Chungbuk Cheongju Distribution Campus, which has established a stable distribution equipment supply system through automation facilities and digital production systems.
In the ESS sector, the company will showcase end-to-end system integration capabilities covering design, construction, and grid interconnection, along with core equipment such as PCS (power conversion systems). Notably, it plans to demonstrate its comprehensive project execution capabilities accumulated based on the successful completion of the Jeonnam Sinan BESS (battery energy storage system) project.
In addition to the exhibition booth, Ok Gyeong-seok, Senior Vice President and Head of Overseas Sales for Power Equipment at HD Hyundai Electric, will take the stage as a speaker at the specialized conference held on the 30th. SVP Ok will share market trends directly experienced in the global field and investment strategies by big tech companies under the theme "AI Data Centers and Increasing Transformer Demand."
In a pre-event interview, SVP Ok analyzed that "recent order trends are approaching the most optimistic scenario of global market research institutional investors" and stated that "the current surge in transformer demand has settled into a structural 'New Normal' rather than a temporary 'super cycle.'" He explained that this was driven by power grid expansion to complement the variability of renewable energy, replacement demand for aging infrastructure, and the boom in AI data center construction.
Through his lecture, SVP Ok is expected to share HD Hyundai Electric's differentiated global sales know-how along with projections on expanded AI investments by big tech companies such as Meta and Oracle. HD Hyundai Electric is currently pursuing production capacity expansion. The company will complete the expansion of its Ulsan plant in the fourth quarter this year and operate a second factory at its Alabama subsidiary in the first half of next year, increasing local transformer production capacity by 50% compared to existing levels.
An official from HD Hyundai Electric emphasized, "We will present a wealth of technology and experience to lead the next-generation power infrastructure market, ranging from eco-friendly power equipment to DC distribution and ESS," adding, "We will proactively respond to power grid demand driven by the surge in renewable energy and data centers."
Meanwhile, SEP 2026 will feature extensive participation from leading domestic and international energy and mobility companies and major institutional investors, presenting a future energy vision. The exhibition hall will host booths from LG Group, Doosan Enerbility, Hyundai Rotem, Unison, the Army, Seoul City, and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, showcasing next-generation energy acquisition strategies and technologies. Additionally, global automotive brands including Hyundai Motor, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Porsche, and Polestar will participate, providing an opportunity to compare and experience the latest electric and hydrogen vehicle strategies in one place.
The conference held over the three-day event period will begin with the Army Forum, featuring a full lineup of expert speakers leading global semiconductor, battery, and power infrastructure sectors who will unveil next-generation energy strategies. Executives from Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, Hyundai Motor, LG Electronics, POSCO Holdings, Bright Energy Partners, LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI, SK On, OCI Power, and HD Hyundai Electric will take the podium to provide insights with core visions and strategies that will shake up the future energy market.
As we enter the AI era, SEP 2026 offers a comprehensive view of energy transition trends across all industrial sectors, including robotics, data centers, batteries, and power infrastructure. Free pre-registration is currently underway through the official website and invitation QR codes. Pre-registered attendees can receive their entry badges quickly and conveniently at on-site kiosks, and conference registrants will be granted free access to the exhibition hall.
in INDUSTRY
