Battery·Solar Power Plus ICT is 'Invincible'

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[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Yoon-joo] The solar power and electric vehicle battery industries, gaining attention as eco-friendly energy sources, are transforming market paradigms by integrating information and communication technology (ICT) into their production processes.

The company leading the digital transformation (DT) shift is solar energy firm Hanwha Solutions. Moving away from a business model focused on producing and selling modules, it is transforming into a high value-added IT-based service company. As part of this, Hanwha Solutions acquired the U.S. software (SW) company Growing Energy Labs (GELI) last year.

GELI possesses technology that analyzes users' power consumption pattern data using artificial intelligence (AI). Hanwha Solutions plans to enter the virtual power plant (VPP) business based on distributed power generation that integrates and sells surplus electricity through GELI. Until now, revenue was generated by selling photovoltaic (PV) modules, but with the acquisition of GELI, the company can expand its business globally by leasing solar power packages (PV+ESS) to customers and then entering into power trading contracts. From the user's perspective, they can choose the most efficient rate system, and if there is leftover solar power, it can be sold to other users. A Hanwha Solutions representative explained, "The industry trend is to introduce digital systems into production processes to improve production efficiency and safety management," adding, "From a business standpoint, we have evolved beyond a solar module manufacturer into an energy platform."

In the electric vehicle battery sector, LG Chem, which has adopted the smart factory platform 'Factova,' is recognized as a leading DT company. Factova is an integrated smart factory platform that incorporates the latest ICT such as AI, big data, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Through this, battery factory yield stability and manufacturing cost reduction can be achieved. Currently, Factova has been implemented in battery plants in Cheongju Ochang, South Korea; Nanjing, China; B?rcz W?tz, Poland; and Holland, USA.

As automakers demand higher battery driving range and energy density while lowering costs, competition among battery manufacturers to improve production process efficiency is intense. This is why LG Chem is focusing on factory digitalization alongside battery technology development.

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