KEPCO teams up with Kyrgyzstan for new energy technology

Korea Electric Power Corp. (KEPCO), the state-run utility company, has joined hands with Kyrgyzstan for new energy businesses including high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission as the countries seek cooperation in renewable energy projects.

KEPCO President and CEO Kim Dong-cheol and Kyrgyzstani Minister of Energy Taalaibek Ibraev on Thursday in Seoul signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on new energy businesses such as the HVDC transmission, advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and advanced distribution management system (ADMS), according to the South Korean company.

They plan to conduct a feasibility study on the potential use of official development assistance (ODA) and work on related demonstration projects, KEPCO said.

“Kyrgyzstan and KEPCO aim to share the experience of power business growth and cooperate in new energy businesses such as the HVDC, ADMS and AMI,” Kim said.

KEPCO plans to form a working group with the country to select targets for joint development and expand the businesses in stages through feasibility studies and demonstration projects.

SOUTH KOREA-KYRGYZSTAN ENERGY COOPERATION

Kyrgyzstan, which supplies more than 80% of the electricity needed from hydroelectric power, has been actively seeking partnerships with global energy companies to enhance the country's electricity quality.

The Central Asian country hopes to push for joint project development in the power sector and establish a foundation for sustained improvement of cooperative relations between the two countries based on the agreement, Ibraev said.

He separately met South Korean Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Ahn Dukgeun to discuss potential cooperation in renewable energy and other areas.

Ahn asked for Ibraev's active support in helping South Korean companies with excellent technology and track records in solar photovoltaics and wind power to make inroads into Kyrgyzstan’s renewable energy sector.

Write to Sul-Gi Lee at surugi@hankyung.com
 
Jongwoo Cheon edited this article.