POSCO Gwangyang Steelworks Enhances Power Operation Efficiency Through Substation Equipment Improvements

Improving Power Operation Efficiency by Rationalizing 2 of 7 Operating Substations

Promoting Win-Win Growth with Local Communities through Job Creation Based on Collaboration with Competitive Local Companies

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seonsik] Gwangyang Steelworks (Director Kim Jiyong) announced on the 25th that it has replaced the aging equipment of substations that receive ultra-high voltage power and convert and supply it to each factory at the appropriate voltage, thereby improving the efficiency of power operation.

Gwangyang Steelworks consists of the ‘New Receiving Substation,’ which receives 345kV power from Korea Electric Power Corporation and steps it down to 154kV, and ‘7 substations’ that further convert this power to the levels required by each factory.

Among the 7 substations, Gwangyang Steelworks has completed the replacement of aging equipment in the ironmaking and receiving substations installed during the construction of the first phase of Gwangyang Steelworks in 1987.

Over approximately three years, equipment that had reached the end of its lifespan in the two substations was completely replaced, while equipment with remaining recommended lifespan was extended through replacement of key components.

Notably, this modernization of equipment is remarkable for introducing a control system applying IED (Intelligent Electronic Device) to the substations, significantly enhancing power management efficiency. IED is a computer-based power distribution control device that integrates multiple panels previously located in the power control room into a compact device.

With integrated power control enabled by IED, Gwangyang Steelworks reduced the control panels that previously existed individually according to their roles by about 60%, and consequently cut control cables by approximately half. Additionally, the elimination of a separate control room made the operation and management of power control equipment easier.

The modernization process of power equipment also contributed to revitalizing the local economy, adding deeper significance. Based on collaboration with competitive companies in Gwangyang City, a total of 35,654 personnel were deployed during the construction period, promoting coexistence with the local community through job creation.

Kim Jiyong, Director of Gwangyang Steelworks, stated, “Through the rationalization of the ironmaking and receiving substations, efficiency has been improved and stable operation of the steelworks power system has become possible. Going forward, Gwangyang Steelworks will continue efforts toward becoming a smart steelworks with world-class competitiveness based on sustainable growth, aiming to be a 100-year company.”

Meanwhile, in June, Gwangyang Steelworks completed modernization by replacing aging equipment of the first thermal power plant, improving performance and increasing power generation efficiency, thereby reducing annual energy purchase costs and making significant efforts to enhance energy efficiency through equipment improvements.

Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seonsik hss79@asiae.co.kr

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