ABB and KEPCO Drive Jeju Island's Green Transition
ABB, a leader in electrification and automation, has announced a collaboration with the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The partnership is set to bring South Korea’s first high-inertia flywheel synchronous condenser to life.
The state-of-the-art model, boasting a fifty megavolt-ampere reactive power (Mvar) capability, is soon to be placed near a high voltage direct current (HVDC) connection in the North of Jeju Island.
This strategic location allows the island to tap into the mainline power grid seamlessly. Combining a vast flywheel with the synchronous condenser fosters a high-inertia configuration, vital for this innovation.
At the heart of KEPCO’s decision is the imperative to ensure Jeju Island’s grid remains stable amidst its transformation towards a greater reliance on renewable energy sources.
“The introduction of the ABB’s flywheel synchronous condenser system will greatly enhance the stability of the Jeju power grid,” said Eun-Bo Sim, President of KEPCO Research Institute.
“KEPCO is committed to providing sustainable energy solutions.”
Jeju’s ambitious green journey
With an eye on achieving net-zero emissions by 2035, Jeju Island is navigating its path through clean hydrogen and renewables.
The island’s unique geographical status poses both a challenge and an opportunity for this bold venture.
Known for its vibrant tourism, attracting more than 15 million visitors each year, Jeju stands as South Korea’s largest island, home to around 670,000 residents.
Its previous dependency on fossil fuels for energy underscores the shifting dynamics as it now moves towards a sustainable future.
Decommissioning turbines that once offered critical spinning inertia, Jeju faces the task of integrating renewables without jeopardising grid stability.
Here, ABB’s synchronous condensers step in as a modern solution, replicating traditional coal or gas generators to ensure a steady, reliable power network.
“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 initiative has already made waves globally, with successful implementations in other islands focused on green transitions, including the Balearic, Faroes and Canary Islands. The collaboration between ABB and KEPCO marks a significant milestone for Jeju Island in reaching its 2035 net-zero goals.
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