Expert Discussion Forum Held on ESS Installation for Safe Gwanggyo New Building Complex

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Park No-hoon] Gyeonggi Province and Gyeonggi Development Corporation held a discussion forum on October 31st with related experts as part of safety enhancement measures for the Energy Storage System (ESS) to be installed at the Gwanggyo New Building Complex.

An Energy Storage System (ESS) is a system that stores electrical energy using lithium-ion batteries and other means, allowing the stored energy to be used when needed.

In accordance with the 'Regulations on Promoting Rational Energy Use for Public Institutions,' buildings with a contracted power capacity of 1,000kw or more under Korea Electric Power Corporation must mandatorily install ESS systems of 5 percent or more.

In the case of the Gwanggyo New Building Complex, the contracted power capacity is 15,000kw, and an ESS capacity of 900kw—exceeding the mandatory ratio of 750kw—has been reflected in the design.

The discussion forum brought together approximately 20 participants including ESS experts, members of the Korea Smart Grid Association, and on-site personnel, who shared and discussed ESS installation case studies, recent industry technology development trends, and installation methods for safe ESS construction at the new building complex.

During the discussion, various opinions were presented, including the need for preliminary expert review of construction drawings and consultation during ESS equipment construction at the new building complex for safer and more efficient ESS installation and operation. It was also noted that while participation in the government's new energy industry policy of mandatory ESS installation for public institutions is important, there is a need to recommend to the government the possibility of deferring the mandatory installation system until ESS-related fire causes are identified and countermeasures are established.

Yoon Sung-jin, head of the Gyeonggi Convergence Town Promotion Task Force, urged, "Through this expert discussion forum, we must resolve concerns about fire risks in ESS equipment and make our best efforts to build a safe new building complex through thorough management and supervision during ESS equipment installation."