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.

Are South Korean companies investing in energy storage systems?

Less than a decade ago, South Korean companies held over half of the global energy storage system (ESS) market with the rushed promise of helping secure a more sustainable energy future. However, a string of ESS-related fires and a lack of infrastructure had dampened investments in this market.

Why should South Korea deploy long-duration storage?

Deploying long-duration storage will allow Korea to capture surplus renewable energy during these off-peak periods and shift it to peak demand hours, reducing curtailment and maximizing asset utilization. This tender fits within South Korea’s broader decarbonization roadmap.

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.

Will South Korea capture 30 percent of ESS market by 2036?

This was a heavy hit for the energy industry, but developments of safer technology and renewed state support have recently given new life to the domestic ESS market. According to South Korea’s “10th Basic Plan for Electricity Supply and Demand,” the government aims to capture over 30 percent of the global ESS market by 2036.

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.