South Korea’s Hyosung Opens European R&D Center at the Electricity Campus in Arnhem: “Building the Power Grid of the Future”

As the electrification of industry, transportation, and households accelerates, power grids across Europe are coming under increasing strain. Major investments and new technologies are needed to meet rising electricity demand.

“Arnhem is the ideal location for us to expand our R&D activities in Europe and help address this challenge,” said Taehee Woo, CEO of Hyosung Heavy Industries Europe. “We’re close to grid operators, research institutes, and industrial partners. This is the perfect place to collaborate on technologies that will make the electricity system more sustainable, reliable, and affordable.”

Technology for the Power Grid of the Future

Hyosung is a global leader in high-voltage and grid technology. From the renovated and historic KEMA building—for decades a hub of excellence in energy research—the company will develop innovative solutions that are essential for a future-ready electricity grid.

The new R&D Center focuses on three key areas:

• Environmentally friendly alternatives to SF₆-based high-voltage switchgear, helping to reduce CO₂ emissions in the energy sector.
• HVDC technology (High Voltage Direct Current) for efficient long-distance power transmission and better integration of wind and solar energy.
• Digital grid solutions that enhance the stability, flexibility, and resilience of Europe’s power infrastructure.

These innovations align with Europe’s goals for decarbonization, electrification, and grid modernization. With strong ecosystems for renewable generation and smart energy storage, the Eastern Netherlands is well positioned to play a leading role in this transition.

Strengthening the Innovation Ecosystem and Global Appeal

Hyosung’s decision to establish its European R&D operations in Arnhem was made possible in 2023 through the efforts of Oost NL, City Developer-S, KEMA, Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA), and local partners. They played a key role in attracting the company to the Netherlands and connecting Hyosung to the region’s thriving energy innovation ecosystem.

The new R&D Center provides a significant boost to the innovation landscape in the Eastern Netherlands, where dozens of companies, startups, research institutions, and public partners collaborate within the National Expertise Center for Grid Congestion and Connectr to accelerate the energy transition. It also enhances the region’s international visibility as a hotspot for energy innovation.

With the recent multi-million-euro investment from City Developer-S and the Gelderland Perspective Fund, the Electricity Campus is being further expanded. This will create additional space for highly skilled professionals and for testing and demonstration facilities where companies are developing the power grid of tomorrow.

“The arrival of Hyosung demonstrates that the Eastern Netherlands is an attractive location for international companies contributing to the energy transition,” said Bernold Kemperink of Oost NL. “Together, we’re creating solutions that strengthen our economy while contributing to a cleaner and more reliable energy supply across Europe.”

“Hyosung strengthens the profile of our campus,” added Thijs van Dieren of Electricity Campus. “We aim to create space for companies that actively contribute to the power grid of the future – a place where they can learn from each other, share knowledge, and collaborate on new solutions. Hyosung has found its natural home in Northwest Europe.”

A New Impulse for Innovation and Collaboration

The opening ceremony was attended by representatives from Hyosung, European grid operators, market players, and policymakers. During the “Future-Ready Grids” panel discussion, experts explored how technology can help create a cleaner and more affordable electricity grid. In the following days, Hyosung experts will lead technical sessions on HVDC, digital substations, and next-generation switchgear technologies.