Will South Korea install 540 megawatts of battery energy storage systems?

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy unveiled plans for a nationwide tender to install 540 megawatts of battery energy storage systems (BESS), marking the country's first major government-led deployment of its kind. The project is part of a broader effort to modernize South Korea’s power grid and support the transition to renewable energy.

Why is South Korea launching a 540mw battery energy storage tender?

South Korea is ramping up its battery energy storage deployment with a new 540MW tender to stabilize the grid and support renewable energy growth. Learn how this move strengthens both domestic resilience and global market leadership.

Why are South Korea's EV battery makers moving to North America?

South Korea’s battery makers, including LG Energy Solution and SK On, have been squeezed by waning EV subsidies and shifting demand, prompting a strategic pivot toward North America, where demand for grid storage is accelerating.

Does South Korea have a battery industry?

But South Korea’s battery industry faces mounting pressure from China, whose manufacturers, led by CATL, currently account for nearly 90 percent of global energy storage battery capacity. CATL expanded its footprint in January by establishing a South Korean subsidiary, signaling an aggressive push into the local market.

How will South Korea transform its energy sector?

The country has unveiled an ambitious plan to transform its energy sectors, aiming to generate 70 per cent of its electricity from carbon-free sources by 2038. South Korea aims to have 30 nuclear plants by 2038 and to more than triple its solar and wind power output to 72 GW by 2030.

Why is solar power important in South Korea?

They store surplus electricity generated from sources like solar power during periods of low demand and release it when demand peaks, functioning as auxiliary batteries that stabilize the grid. Their importance is growing as renewable energy accounts for a larger share of South Korea’s power supply.