South Korean communication base station flywheel energy storage equipment

Eun-Bo Sim, President of KEPCO Research Institute, says: "The introduction of ABB's flywheel synchronous condenser system will greatly enhance the stability of the Jeju power grid. “KEPCO is committed to providing sustainable energy solutions."

Less than a decade ago, South Korean companies held over half of the global energy storage system (ESS) market with the rushed promise of helping secure a more sustainable energy future. However, a string of ESS-related fires and a lack of infrastructure had dampened investments in this market.

ABB has deployed these condensers to reinforce Island grid power networks in projects worldwide, including on the Balearic, Faroes and Canary Islands. Now ABB in collaboration with KEPCO is helping Jeju Island achieve its 2035 net zero goals.

This was a heavy hit for the energy industry, but developments of safer technology and renewed state support have recently given new life to the domestic ESS market. According to South Korea's “10th Basic Plan for Electricity Supply and Demand,” the government aims to capture over 30 percent of the global ESS market by 2036.

Jeju Island is aiming to reach net-zero emissions by 2035 through transitioning to clean hydrogen and renewable energy. This is a bold and necessary step, one that is made more difficult by Jeju's island status. Jeju Island is South Korea's largest island and a popular tourist destination, with over fifteen million visitors each year.