ABB and KEPCO Partner to Boost Grid Stability on Jeju Island

ABB and Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) have teamed up to install South Korea's first high-inertia flywheel synchronous condenser on Jeju Island.

The project aims to stabilise the island's power grid as it transitions to renewable energy, in line with the island's goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2035.

Jeju Island, a popular tourist destination with 15 million visitors annually, is at the forefront of South Korea's renewable energy push.

Home to 670,000 residents, the island is moving away from fossil fuels in favour of clean energy, such as hydrogen and renewables.

However, this transition has created challenges in maintaining grid stability, especially with the decommissioning of traditional fossil-fuel-powered turbines.

Historically, these turbines provided the spinning inertia essential for maintaining grid stability.

As they are phased out, the grid becomes less stable, making it difficult to integrate more renewable energy without risking power interruptions.

KEPCO’s solution is to work with ABB to install a synchronous condenser system, which will mimic the effects of traditional generators and maintain the grid's frequency and voltage.

“The introduction of ABB’s flywheel synchronous condenser system will greatly enhance the stability of the Jeju power grid,” comments Eun-Bo Sim, President of KEPCO Research Institute.

“KEPCO is committed to providing sustainable energy solutions.”

Jeju’s ambitious net-zero target

Jeju Island is committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2035, focusing on renewable energy and clean hydrogen.

The island’s isolated location, 240 km south of the Korean mainland, makes its energy needs more complex. It is connected to the mainland grid via a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) subsea cable, which brings in power to support local demand.

This move towards cleaner energy has required innovative solutions, like ABB’s synchronous condensers, to maintain stability while accommodating the growing use of renewables.

ABB’s condensers will be installed near a HVDC station in northern Jeju, playing a crucial role in ensuring the grid can handle the fluctuations that come with renewable energy sources.

“With ABB’s proven technology and designs compliant with Korean standards, this flywheel synchronous condenser system will significantly improve frequency stability in the Jeju power grid,” adds Kristina Carlquist, Head of Synchronous Condenser Product Line at ABB Large Motors and Generators Division.

ABB’s role in global grid stability

ABB’s synchronous condensers are not new to renewable energy grids. The technology has already been used to support grid stability in similar projects worldwide, including on the Balearic, Faroes and Canary Islands.

In addition, ABB has worked on large-scale solar farms in Australia, demonstrating that its technology can successfully balance the demands of renewable energy and grid reliability.

As more regions transition away from fossil fuels, maintaining a stable power supply becomes a greater challenge.

ABB’s technology offers a solution by simulating the effects of traditional generators, providing the spinning inertia necessary to keep the grid balanced and secure. This ensures the network frequency remains stable, even as more renewable resources come online.

Kristina Carlquist of ABB emphasises: “Through this project, ABB will set the standards for flywheel synchronous condenser systems in South Korea.

"We look forward to continuing our technological collaboration with KEPCO to further enhance the future stability of the Korean power grid as it transitions to green energy.”

This partnership marks a significant step towards Jeju Island’s net-zero goals, positioning it as a leader in renewable energy innovation.

By adopting ABB’s technology, KEPCO is ensuring that Jeju Island’s power grid can support its growing demand for renewable energy while remaining stable and reliable.

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