From February 4 to 6, 2026, ELECS KOREA 2026 was held at COEX in Samseong-dong, Seoul. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, ELECS KOREA has established itself as Korea’s largest specialized exhibition for the electrical and energy industries, covering a broad range of sectors including power grids, power generation facilities, energy efficiency technologies, renewable energy, and power infrastructure for data centers. Hosted by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and organized by the Korea Electrical Manufacturers Association, the event is widely regarded as an important platform for identifying technological trends and policy directions in the power and energy sector each year.
Held under the theme “Connecting Grids, Securing Energy,” the exhibition featured a wide array of cutting-edge technologies, including transmission and distribution equipment, power generation systems, high-voltage direct current (HVDC) technology, energy storage systems (ESS), smart grids, and digital power solutions. The exhibition provided visitors with a comprehensive overview of the current state of the domestic and global power industries, as well as insights into their future development. In addition, buyers from more than 20 countries were invited to participate in export consultation programs, further strengthening the exhibition’s role as a platform for global business exchange.
ELECS KOREA 2026 was particularly noteworthy for the strong participation not only from industry professionals but also from university students majoring in electrical engineering, electronics, and energy-related fields. Representatives from power equipment manufacturers, power generation companies, and public institutions were joined by students eager to observe technologies and equipment currently being deployed in real industrial settings. Natural and active interactions—such as technical explanations, Q&A sessions, and career consultations—took place between company representatives and students, allowing the exhibition hall to function as a dynamic space for exchange and a practical learning environment where industry and education converged.
Exhibition booths showcasing AI- and digitally integrated power grid operation systems, smart substations, data center power solutions, and environmentally friendly, high-efficiency power equipment drew significant attention. Global power companies presented sustainable energy infrastructure solutions focused on digital predictive maintenance, remote control technologies, and carbon emission reduction. Korean companies also demonstrated their technological competitiveness through HVDC systems, smart distribution solutions, and advanced energy management platforms. These technologies were widely recognized as key enablers for addressing the expansion of renewable energy and the growing demand for electricity.
Currently, the electrical and energy industries are undergoing rapid transformation driven by three major forces: carbon neutrality, energy security, and digital transformation. As the share of renewable energy continues to increase, ensuring both stability and efficiency in power grids has become a critical challenge. As a result, technologies such as HVDC, smart grids, distributed energy systems, and AI-based power operation platforms are gaining increasing importance. In particular, the rapid growth of data centers, electric vehicles, and the semiconductor industry is driving a sharp rise in electricity demand, making the advancement of power infrastructure an urgent priority.
Looking ahead, the power industry is expected to continue growing as a high value-added sector increasingly integrated with digital technologies. The intelligentization of power grids and advancements in energy management technologies are anticipated to enhance industrial competitiveness while also contributing to job creation. In this evolving landscape, ELECS KOREA has gone beyond the role of a conventional exhibition, serving as a platform for business collaboration for industry professionals and an educational venue where students can directly experience future technologies and career pathways.
ELECS KOREA 2026 once again demonstrated its value as a comprehensive platform connecting the present and future of the power and energy industry—bringing together technology, people, and knowledge in a shared space of exchange and innovation.
SALLY LEE
US ASIA JOURNAL
