Seobu Power-Dujung, World's First ESS-Linked Power Generation Technology Developed

Started to Solve Instability Issues in New and Renewable Systems
"Presenting New Growth Engines for ESS Activation"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] Korea Western Power and Doosan Heavy Industries announced on the 3rd that they have jointly developed the world's first hybrid power generation technology linked with an energy storage system (ESS). The efforts of the two organizations, which have been dedicated to technology development for about two years since October 2018, have borne fruit.

The development of ESS-linked hybrid power generation technology began to solve the instability problem in the power system (a system that generates electricity through power plants, substations, transmission and distribution lines, loads, etc.) caused by the recent increase in new and renewable energy facilities.

Korea Western Power plans to contribute to stabilizing the domestic power system by presenting a new model that functionally integrates ESS into the power generation unit for the first time in the world.

In particular, this technology is expected to inject significant vitality into the ESS industry, which has been stagnating due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic and the expiration of the weighting system for renewable energy certificates (REC).

New and renewable energy facilities such as solar and wind power have a problem of reduced power quality due to frequency fluctuations caused by 'intermittency,' where power cannot be smoothly produced depending on weather conditions.

The two organizations embarked on developing related technologies to overcome these issues and enhance the flexibility of thermal power generation.

Previously, to respond to such frequency fluctuations, thermal power plants received requests to reduce power demand (dispatch instructions), causing rapid fluctuations in generator output and a decline in operational efficiency.

By linking thermal power generation with ESS to enable power storage and rapid frequency-following operation, it is expected that even when power output is suddenly increased or decreased, electricity can be supplied quickly while maintaining power efficiency.

Through this technology development, it is anticipated that the operational efficiency of thermal power plants will improve, and the unstable power system problems caused by the increased share of new and renewable energy will be somewhat resolved.

Korea Western Power stated, "According to the person in charge, internal tests identified that for efficient power plant operation, an ESS battery capacity of about 25MW is appropriate relative to a facility capacity of 500MW."

Additionally, it is expected to reduce approximately 20,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually. A reduction effect on fine dust is also anticipated. Fuel cost savings due to improved power plant efficiency are an added benefit.

A Korea Western Power official said, "As the role of coal thermal power is urgently changing due to the increase in new and renewable energy, we plan to establish a demonstration plan for this technology as soon as possible to apply it not only to the domestic power market but also to utilize it for overseas market entry."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.