The Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) said on the 24th that it has opened a power grid research center to develop and pilot next-generation grid technology that combines distributed energy produced outside large-scale power plants with artificial intelligence (AI).
GIST held an opening ceremony the day before at the Next-generation Energy Research Institute in Gwangsan District, Gwangju, and discussed cooperation plans for a Korea-style next-generation power grid pilot project.
The power grid research center will focus on core areas of future power infrastructure, including distributed energy, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and energy storage systems (ESS, devices that store electricity and supply it when needed). In connection with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy's "Korea-style next-generation power grid construction" project, it plans to make Gwangju and South Jeolla Province a demonstration hub and take the lead in national grid innovation and professional talent development.
The center will be led by Center Director Kim Yun-su, a professor in GIST's School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (power grid operation), with participation from Professor Kim Jin-ho (virtual power plants, power markets), Professor Park Yong-sun (next-generation inverters, ESS), Professor Lim Chun-taek (EV charging), and Professor Hwang Ui-seok (energy informatics, cybersecurity), all in the same school. The research team plans to pursue a range of projects, including AI and big data-based grid control, microgrid demonstrations (small-scale grids that can be operated independently by region), and building an industry-academia-research-government cooperation system.
GIST will move forward with joint research with domestic and international experts, establishing a campus demonstration site, and participating in planning for a local RE100 (100% renewable energy use) industrial complex. Through this, it aims to drive next-generation grid innovation centered on Gwangju and South Jeolla Province and to grow into a national research hub.
Center Director Kim Yun-su said, "The power grid research center will become a key hub for expanding distributed energy and innovating the power grid," adding, "We will bring together GIST's capabilities in power systems, power electronics, and AI to lead the construction of the national next-generation grid."