ABB Teams with KEPCO for Green Energy Leap on Jeju Island
In a groundbreaking venture, ABB, a trailblaser in electrification and automation, has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO). Together, the companies are introducing South Korea’s inaugural high-inertia flywheel synchronous condenser, marking a significant advancement in energy sustainability.
The cutting-edge condenser, boasting a 50-megavolt-ampere reactive power (Mvar) capacity, is set for deployment near a pivotal HVDC connection on Jeju Island.
This strategic setup promises to bridge the island with the mainland's power infrastructure, ensuring seamless energy flow.
The inclusion of a hefty flywheel alongside the synchronous condenser forms its core, enhancing grid resilience.
KEPCO's pressing quest for grid stability on Jeju Island, in the face of escalating renewable energy adoption, culminates with this installation.
“The introduction of the ABB’s flywheel synchronous condenser system will greatly enhance the stability of the Jeju power grid,” says Eun-Bo Sim, President of KEPCO Research Institute.
“KEPCO is committed to providing sustainable energy solutions.”
Jeju's green journey
Jeju Island's ambitious trajectory towards a net-zero emission status by 2035, via a pivot to clean hydrogen and renewables, sets a commendable benchmark.
This mission, albeit challenging due to its distinct island nature, is crucial for environmental sustainability.
As South Korea's premier island destination, Jeju welcomes an astounding number of visitors annually while being home to a vibrant local community.
The island's former reliance on fossil fuels for energy stability is undergoing a transformative shift towards greener alternatives, amid the decommissioning of conventional power sources.
This transition elevates the imperative for robust solutions to maintain grid frequency and accommodate renewable energy sources without compromise. ABB's synchronous condensers emerge as a viable solution, offering a renewable-friendly inertia source. This mirrors traditional coal or gas generators, securing grid frequency and voltage stability.
“With ABB’s proven technology and designs compliant with Korean standards, this flywheel synchronous condenser system will significantly improve frequency stability in the Jeju power grid,” says Kristina Carlquist, Head of Synchronous Condenser Product Line at ABB Large Motors and Generators Division.
“Through this project, ABB will set the standards for flywheel synchronous condenser systems in South Korea.
"We look forward to continuing our technological collaboration with KEPCO to further enhance the future stability of the Korean power grid as it transitions to green energy.”
ABB's global portfolio, boasting similar projects on islands like the Balearics, Faroes and Canaries, now includes Jeju Island in its roster of green initiatives, in collaboration with KEPCO, to realise its 2035 net-zero ambition.
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