LS ELECTRIC and KEPCO to Jointly Develop Distribution-Level Grid-Forming Technology

[Financial News] LS ELECTRIC is joining forces with Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) to develop distribution-level grid-forming technology that will enhance the stability of distribution grids in response to the expansion of renewable energy.
LS ELECTRIC announced on the 15th that it signed a memorandum of understanding with KEPCO on cooperation in distribution-level power-electronics technology at LS Tower in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province, on the 14th. 
The signing ceremony was attended by key officials from both companies, including Jangcheol Seo, executive vice president and chief technology officer for power systems at LS ELECTRIC, and Kim Dae-han, president of the Korea Electric Power Research Institute (KEPRI).
Under the agreement, the two companies will jointly pursue research, development, and demonstrations across distribution-level power-electronics technologies. Key areas of cooperation include grid-forming technology for supporting distribution grids, next-generation intelligent transformers (smart transformers), and grid-connected microgrid technologies incorporating black-start capabilities.
Distribution-level grid-forming technology enables inverter-based distributed energy resources, such as solar power, wind power, and energy storage systems (ESS), to independently establish the voltage and frequency of the power grid, thereby mitigating fluctuations in the distribution grid. This differs from the existing grid-following approach, which follows the grid’s voltage and frequency. It is regarded as a key technology for addressing potential power-grid instability as the share of renewable energy grows.
Distribution-level grid-forming technology is still in the early stages of commercialization worldwide. LS ELECTRIC and KEPCO plan to pursue joint commercialization for entry into global markets after conducting joint research and demonstrations in South Korea.
The two companies will also conduct research on smart transformers that use digital communications to monitor and control the condition of the power grid in real time, as well as black-start-based microgrid technology that can rapidly restart the grid using its own emergency power supply in the event of a large-scale outage.
An LS ELECTRIC official said, "As inverter-based distributed energy resources continue to increase rapidly, the importance of distribution-level grid-forming technology, which establishes its own reference and stabilizes the power grid, is growing by the day. By combining LS ELECTRIC’s power equipment and power-conversion solutions with KEPRI’s research capabilities in distribution systems, we will secure distribution-grid technologies optimized for the distributed-energy environment, take the lead in global markets, and further enhance the export competitiveness of South Korea’s power technologies."

[email protected] Jiyeon Park Reporter