The government is promoting the establishment of an intelligent power grid that optimizes electricity production, storage, and consumption by controlling distributed energy such as renewable energy and energy storage systems (ESS) with artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
The power system policy of the Lee Jae-myung administration is divided into two main lines. While the energy highway is a 'large artery' blueprint for constructing the necessary transmission network nationwide, the next-generation power grid involves designing a 'capillary' blueprint to build dense, small-scale power grids in local units connected to the distribution network.
According to the Ministry of Industry on the 31st, the currently established power grid consists of a 'one-way' system where electricity from large generators connected to the transmission network is delivered to nationwide demand sites through generation → transmission → distribution. The newly promoted next-generation power grid will be designed as a 'two-way' system that allows electricity generated from renewable energy sources such as solar power to be sent to demand sites via the distribution network, with any excess electricity being transmitted back to the transmission network.
It is expected to prevent 'blackouts' (nationwide rolling blackouts) caused by either excess or insufficient power supply through efficient energy management. A ministry official noted, 'Using AI technology, we can accurately predict renewable energy generation and electricity demand,' adding that 'when there is surplus capacity on the grid, we can utilize more renewable energy, reducing the need for renewable energy output control and managing the power grid efficiently.'
The government plans to establish a 'Korean-style next-generation power grid' to create a power system suitable for renewable energy, which has variable resources, and to promote a balanced regional power supply and demand through 'local production, local consumption.' Additionally, there are plans to seize the opportunity presented by the global trend of power grid modernization to export the next-generation power grid industry.
The government will also push for demonstrations of the next-generation power grid, with initial efforts in Jeollanam-do. Currently, Jeollanam-do has the largest renewable energy resources in the country, but frequent output control occurs due to system limitations. However, it is regarded as having sufficient innovative capacity, as relevant research institutions such as Korea Electric Power Corporation and the Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning are located there. Moreover, there are conditions for large-scale demonstrations linked to industries such as POSCO's Gwangyang steelworks, petrochemicals in Yeosu, and shipyards in Mokpo and Yeongam.
The government plans to boldly apply regulatory exemptions for the Electricity Business Act and the electricity market to activate the power new industry business. It also aims to encourage the emergence of various electricity rate systems by allowing direct electricity trading between local power companies and demand enterprises.
Key technology development projects for the next-generation power grid will also be newly established, including intelligent power grid systems, long-term ESS development, and microgrid technology development. A ministry official said, 'Through national R&D investment, we will accelerate the pace of next-generation power grid technology development and quickly build competitiveness to lead the global market.'
A 'next-generation power grid promotion team' will also be formed, led by Director General Lee Ho-hyun of the Ministry of Industry. The promotion team will be responsible for preparing a roadmap and detailed implementation plans for the next-generation power grid through collaboration among industry, academia, and related institutions.