• KEPCO installs ABB’s advanced high-inertia flywheel synchronous condenser to maintain stable grid frequency as renewable energy adoption accelerates
• Jeju Island is striving towards a net-zero emissions target by 2035, with a focus on clean energy transformation.

In a strategic move to stabilize its power grid amidst increasing renewable energy use, Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), South Korea’s largest electric utility, has partnered with ABB to introduce the nation’s first high-inertia flywheel synchronous condenser on Jeju Island. This collaboration is crucial in ensuring the island’s power grid remains stable, reliable, and continuous as it integrates a growing amount of renewable energy. This project aligns with Jeju’s ambitious plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2035, focusing on renewable energy and clean hydrogen as core elements.

Located 240 kilometers south of the Korean peninsula, Jeju Island is home to approximately 670,000 residents and attracts over 15 million tourists annually. The island is rapidly expanding its renewable energy infrastructure, significantly increasing the role of wind and solar power in its energy mix.

However, the shift to renewable energy poses a challenge for island grids, particularly in maintaining grid frequency within strict limits. Traditionally, fossil fuel-powered turbines have provided the necessary spinning inertia to keep the power network stable. As these turbines are phased out, the grid’s inertia is diminishing, making it harder to integrate additional renewable resources without risking disruptions. To address this, KEPCO is implementing synchronous condensers—large rotating machines that simulate the operation of conventional generators by providing an alternative source of spinning inertia. ABB has been deploying these condensers in various global projects, including on islands like the Faroes, Balearic, Canary, and now Jeju.

ABB’s synchronous condenser, with a capacity of 50 megavolt-ampere reactive power (Mvar) and nearly 500 megawatt-seconds (MWs) of inertia, will be installed near a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) station in northern Jeju, where a subsea cable connects the island to the mainland grid. The system’s standout feature is its high-inertia configuration, which integrates a large flywheel with the synchronous condenser. This design significantly amplifies the available inertia, ensuring that the grid frequency remains stable within the tight limits required for grid reliability. Additionally, the synchronous condenser contributes to voltage stability.

ABB synchronous condenser package

Eun-Bo Sim, President of KEPCO Research Institute, commented, “The introduction of ABB’s flywheel synchronous condenser system will significantly enhance the stability of Jeju’s power grid. KEPCO is dedicated to delivering sustainable energy solutions.”

Kristina Carlquist, Head of the Synchronous Condenser Product Line at ABB’s Large Motors and Generators Division, added, “ABB’s proven technology, tailored to meet Korean standards, will greatly improve frequency stability in Jeju’s power grid. This project marks a significant step in setting the standard for flywheel synchronous condenser systems in South Korea. We are excited to continue our collaboration with KEPCO to further secure the stability of Korea’s power grid as it transitions to renewable energy.”

The synchronous condenser for Jeju Island is being designed and manufactured by ABB in Sweden, with the project encompassing engineering and commissioning services. The system is expected to be operational by the end of 2026.

ABB is a leader in electrification and automation technologies, committed to fostering a sustainable and resource-efficient future. The company’s solutions blend engineering expertise and software to optimize the way things are manufactured, transported, powered, and operated. With over 140 years of innovation, ABB’s approximately 105,000 employees are dedicated to advancing industrial transformation.

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