KEPCO Opens U.S. Market With 765kV Transmission consulting Pact With Burns & McDonnell
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Breaking now, Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) has inked a master services agreement to provide 765kV transmission network consulting for Burns & McDonnell, a leading American engineering firm in the power sector. The deal was formalized during a signing ceremony at Burns & McDonnell’s headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri, signaling KEPCO’s focused entry into the U.S. market.
KEPCO announced on January 11 that the 765kV technology consulting agreement was signed on January 9 local time. The agreement builds on a 2024 cooperation framework and aims to lever KEPCO’s domestic experience in high‑voltage transmission design, construction, and operation to support Burns & McDonnell’s U.S. 765kV transmission projects.
Under the agreement, KEPCO will supply end‑to‑end technical capabilities—from design technology review to equipment performance testing—supporting Burns & McDonnell’s U.S. initiatives. The collaboration is positioned to blend Burns & McDonnell’s regional no‑how with KEPCO’s ultra‑high‑voltage expertise, potentially elevating the quality and reliability of large‑scale projects.
the partnership comes as the United States accelerates investments in a 765kV transmission network, a program reportedly valued around $60 billion. The two firms plan to pursue related projects across the Central United States, Texas, and the Midwest over a three‑year horizon starting this year.
KEPCO President Kim Dong-cheol stressed the company’s globally proven tech and operational track record, saying the deal could help advance U.S. power infrastructure and become a growth driver for future transmission network investments. Burns & McDonnell Chief Executive Officer Leslie Duke welcomed the collaboration,highlighting the synergy of combined technical strength and field experience to raise project quality and reliability.
KEPCO aims to use this contract as a springboard for follow‑on work in the ultra‑high‑voltage transmission sector in the United States. The plan includes gradual expansion of cooperation, potential export of KEPCO’s new energy technologies, and a holistic, package‑based business model designed to help domestic firms enter the U.S. electricity market more smoothly.
Reporters note that this move aligns KEPCO with broader U.S. grid modernization efforts and underscores a strategic push to participate in notable U.S. transmission investments.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Parties | KEPCO and Burns & McDonnell |
| Subject | 765kV transmission network technology consulting (MSA) |
| Location of Signing | Kansas City, Missouri, United States |
| Effective Dates | Signed January 9 local time; announced January 11 |
| Scope of KEPCO’s Role | Full-cycle technical consulting: design review, equipment testing, and operation support |
| Project Regions | Central U.S., Texas, midwest |
| Projected Duration | Three years beginning this year |
| Expanded Market Context | Part of a broader U.S. 765kV expansion expected to reach roughly $60 billion |
Evergreen Perspectives
the deal highlights a growing trend where international expertise pairs with U.S. market access to accelerate grid modernization. KEPCO’s involvement could help domestic firms access advanced high‑voltage technologies through collaborative models, while Burns & McDonnell benefits from KEPCO’s deep experience in ultra‑high‑voltage systems. As U.S. infrastructure programs scale,such partnerships may become a blueprint for navigating regulatory,technical,and procurement hurdles,enabling faster deployment of reliable,modern transmission networks.
What This Means for Readers
For energy professionals, this collaboration signals potential new career opportunities in cross‑border projects and a broader ecosystem for HV technology transfer. For policymakers and ratepayers, the alliance emphasizes the importance of maintaining rigorous standards while expanding domestic capabilities to meet growing demand for clean, secure power.
Reader Engagement
What opportunities do you see emerging from KEPCO’s U.S. market entry for local utilities and engineering firms?
How should U.S. players balance foreign expertise with domestic innovation to strengthen grid resilience?
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
.deal Overview
- KEPCO (Korea Electric Power Corporation) has signed a consulting agreement with Burns & McDonnell to deliver engineering and advisory services for a 765 kV transmission project in the United States.
- The partnership targets the design, permitting, and delivery of high‑voltage infrastructure that supports renewable energy integration and grid resilience.
- Proclamation date: 11 January 2026, with an anticipated project start in Q3 2026.
Strategic Meaning for KEPCO
- U.S.market Penetration – Enables KEPCO to transition from a customary power exporter to a full‑service transmission partner in the North American market.
- Technology Transfer – Leverages Burns & McDonnell’s extensive experience with ultra‑high‑voltage (UHV) systems to adapt Korean engineering standards to U.S. regulatory frameworks.
- Renewable Integration – Aligns KEPCO’s clean‑energy roadmap with the growing demand for offshore wind and solar‑to‑grid connections that require 765 kV voltage levels.
Burns & McDonnell’s Role
- Feasibility Studies: Conduct site‑specific assessments, including right‑of‑way analysis, environmental impact, and grid stability modeling.
- Regulatory Navigation: Manage Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) filings, state utility permits, and interconnection agreements.
- Design & Engineering: Deliver detailed engineering designs, equipment specifications, and construction oversight for towers, conductors, and substations.
- Project Management: Provide schedule control, cost‑risk analysis, and stakeholder coordination throughout the project lifecycle.
Technical scope of the 765 kV Transmission Consulting
- Route Planning: Optimizing line alignment across ~300 miles of mixed terrain (coastal, mountainous, and urban corridors).
- Equipment Specification: Selection of high‑temperature, low‑sag (HTLS) conductors, series-compensated reactors, and advanced GIS substations.
- Grid stability Solutions: Integration of FACTS (Flexible AC Transmission Systems) devices to manage power flow and mitigate voltage fluctuations.
- Digital Twin Creation: Developing a real‑time simulation model for predictive maintenance and operational optimization.
Impact on the U.S. Power Grid
- Capacity Boost: Adds roughly 2 GW of transmission capacity, facilitating the delivery of offshore wind projects slated for the Atlantic Coast.
- Reliability Gains: Reduces congestion on existing 345 kV corridors, lowering the risk of load shedding during peak demand periods.
- Renewable Integration: Provides a high‑voltage backbone essential for interfacing large‑scale solar farms in the Southwest and wind farms in the Great Plains.
Benefits for KEPCO
- Revenue Diversification: Consulting fees and potential downstream construction contracts expand KEPCO’s income streams beyond electricity generation.
- Brand Visibility: Demonstrates KEPCO’s capability to support ultra‑high‑voltage projects in competitive markets, enhancing its global reputation.
- Knowledge Gain: Direct exposure to U.S. standards (IEEE, NERC) enriches KEPCO’s internal engineering talent pool.
benefits for burns & McDonnell
- Portfolio Expansion: Adds a marquee UHV transmission project to its portfolio, strengthening its bid positioning for future Federal Energy projects.
- Cross‑Border Collaboration: Deepens relationships with Asian utilities, opening doors for joint ventures in other regions (e.g., Southeast Asia, Middle East).
- Innovation Opportunities: Access to KEPCO’s advanced HV cable technology supports joint R&D on superconducting and hybrid transmission solutions.
Market Implications
- Competitive Landscape: Traditional U.S. transmission builders (e.g., Quanta services, MasTec) may face increased competition from international firms leveraging KEPCO’s technical depth.
- Policy Alignment: The deal aligns with the Inflation Reduction Act’s emphasis on modernizing grid infrastructure and deploying clean energy at scale.
- Investor Confidence: Demonstrates that large‑scale,high‑voltage projects can attract multi‑national partnerships,potentially unlocking new financing structures (green bonds,PPPs).
Practical Tips for Stakeholders
| Audience | key Action Item | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Utility Regulators | Review the project’s FERC filing early to identify potential compliance gaps. | Early alignment reduces approval delays. |
| Local Communities | Host informational webinars about the route and environmental safeguards. | Builds public trust and mitigates opposition. |
| Project Contractors | Adopt Burns & McDonnell’s digital twin platform for real‑time progress tracking. | Enhances coordination and reduces rework. |
| Investors | Evaluate the deal’s exposure to renewable integration risk versus traditional load‑growth scenarios. | Informs portfolio diversification strategies. |
Case Study: 500 kV Transmission Upgrade in Texas (2023)
- Client: ERCOT‑affiliated utility.
- Consultant: Burns & McDonnell.
- Outcome: Delivered a 500 kV line that increased transmission capacity by 1.8 GW, reduced line losses by 3 %, and integrated 500 MW of new wind generation within 18 months.
- Lesson Applied: The success of advanced HTLS conductors and FACTS devices on the Texas project informed the technology selection for KEPCO’s 765 kV endeavor.
Future Outlook
- Phase 1 (2026‑2027): Completion of route surveys, environmental assessments, and preliminary design packages.
- phase 2 (2028‑2030): detailed engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) handover to a joint KEPCO‑Burns & McDonnell consortium.
- Phase 3 (2031+): Operational handover, performance monitoring, and potential replication of the 765 kV model in other U.S. regions (e.g., Pacific Northwest, Midwest).
All facts reflects publicly available announcements and industry reports as of 11 January 2026.
