The South Korean Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment has unveiled plans to overhaul the power grid to accommodate over 100 GW of renewable energy by 2030. Key points from the “Power Grid Innovation Measures” report include:
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Flexible Grid Access System: Prioritized grid access will shift from rated capacity to connections that exceed limits. A “voluntary connection system” will enable operators to install renewable energy facilities beyond their connection capacity, utilizing energy storage systems to manage output.
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Promotion of Non-Wire Alternatives (NWAs): The government will focus on maximizing existing transmission and distribution networks using energy storage systems, aiming to avoid new construction.
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Access Rights Adjustment: Access rights for projects will now be adjusted before actual use, allowing for variability in implementation based on permit delays and changing business conditions.
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Prioritization of Renewable Projects: A competitive bidding basis will replace the “first-come, first-served” system for grid access rights, promoting renewable over fossil fuel projects and potentially adding 20 GW of renewable capacity.
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Investment in Network Reinforcement: KEPCO will invest in distribution network enhancements and develop a cost-sharing plan for power generation operators based on their capacity.
Overall, these strategies aim to boost renewable capacity significantly, increasing transmission capacity from 119 GW to 171 GW and distribution capacity from 84 GW to 110 GW by 2030.
