KEPCO Looks To Blockchain Technology For New Microgrid In Korea

November 19, 2018 8:04 PM

As energy usage and storage continues to be a popular use case for blooming blockchain technology, Korea Electric Power Corp. (KEPCO) announced on November 18 that it plans to utilize blockchain and “digital technology” in the development of its newest microgrid project.

The press release highlights KEPCO’s plan to replace the company’s current microgrid. That microgrid consists of “small photovoltaics, wind turbines, and energy storage devices, which made it difficult to supply stable power.” The new “open” microgrid, which is a localized energy source connected to the main grid that can operate separately on its own, will use power-to-gas (P2G) technology that converts electricity into gas fuel. The release explains:

“By using P2G technology, the remaining electricity can be converted into hydrogen and saved, and it can be converted to electric energy through the fuel cell when necessary. It can increase the energy independence rate and efficiency more than the existing microgrid, and it is eco-friendly because it does not emit greenhouse gas.”

The open microgrid will leverage a fuel cell as its power source and KEPCO hopes that this, along with “blockchain solutions,” will “stabilize the power system of new and renewable energy by eliminating the system connection bottleneck.”

With the South Korean government and a government-controlled bank holding more than 50 percent of the power company, KEPCO itself has a “virtual monopoly in power generation and distribution in South Korea,” says Nikkei Asian Review. KEPCO president and CEO Kim Jong-gap stated that the future of the energy industry is “decarbonization, decentralization, and digitalization,” and that through the open microgrid project, “KEPCO will show the speed of new and renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.”

Translations by Google.

Nicholas Ruggieri studied English with an emphasis in creative writing at the University of Nevada, Reno. When he’s not quoting Vines at anyone who’s willing to listen, you’ll find him listening to too many podcasts, reading too many books, and crocheting too many sweaters for his dogs, RT and Peterman.

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