KANSAS CITY, Missouri — To help the U.S. continue to provide reliable electricity amid a time of unprecedented expansion in renewable generation and expected nationwide load growth, Burns & McDonnell and the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) are teaming up to combine their experience. The organizations announced an alliance to support the development and execution of 765-kV transmission line and substation projects planned by the nation’s regional system operators.

The 765-kV voltage class emerged as an effective means of delivering substantial amounts of economical and reliable electricity to consumers.

Through the alliance, Burns & McDonnell and KEPCO will work together to develop and execute the mega-scale projects to support the future of the nation’s grid. Burns & McDonnell is a 100% employee-owned engineering, construction and architecture firm. KEPCO is South Korea’s only electric utility with over eight substations and 13 lines (over 636 miles) of self-developed, engineered and operations of 765kV assets.

“We are thrilled to team with KEPCO in supporting our Burns & McDonnell clients’ future 765-kV projects,” says Leslie M. Duke, chair and CEO of Burns & McDonnell. “Given our nation’s surge in electricity demand, we see the potential for landmark projects to be the future backbone of a resilient grid. Burns & McDonnell and KEPCO are committed to working together today to build a better grid for tomorrow.”

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the U.S. electric transmission network consists of about 700,000 circuit miles of lines. Only a fraction of those lines are 765-kV — most of them built in the late 1960s. Regional transmission organizations and independent system operators are considering approving billions of dollars' worth of 765-kV transmission line and substation projects with in-service dates less than 10 years from now. The 765-kV voltage offers benefits including increased reliability and efficiency, and decreased land use.

KEPCO brings decades of experience operating a 765-kV grid and operates a 765-kV transmission testing facility in Korea, one of only three in the world.

“While planning and executing these impactful projects can present unique challenges, we know Burns & McDonnell is the right firm to work with based on their successful execution of projects,” says Dong-cheol Kim, president and CEO of KEPCO. “As the only electric utility in Korea, KEPCO possesses core competencies and experience across the entire cycle of power grid from R&D to construction to operation, and will be able to play a major role by directly participating in 765-kV transmission grid construction projects in the U.S.”

About Burns & McDonnell

Burns & McDonnell is a family of companies bringing together an unmatched team of more than 14,000 engineers, construction and craft professionals, architects, planners, technologists, and scientists to design and build our critical infrastructure. With an integrated construction and design mindset, we offer full-service capabilities. Founded in 1898 and working from more than 75 offices globally, Burns & McDonnell is 100% employee-owned. Learn how we are designed to build.

About KEPCO

KEPCO (Korea Electric Power Corporation) is the only electric utility company in Korea with a history of about 130 years, and its approximately 23,400 employees play a comprehensive role covering the entire electric power industry from generation, transmission, distribution, and sales, providing the public with world-class electric power quality services. In addition, KEPCO is carrying out 38 overseas projects in 19 countries around the world, including nuclear power, thermal power, renewable energy, and transmission and distribution. For more information about KEPCO, visit https://home.kepco.co.kr/kepco/EN/main.do.