Korea Southern Power has won five awards at the International Invention Festival held in Silicon Valley, USA.
The company announced on August 19 that it received the Semi Grand Prix, two gold medals, and two special awards from foreign invention associations for two research and development (R&D) innovations showcased at the '2026 Silicon Valley International Invention Festival (SVIIF 2026)' held from August 14 to 16 at the Santa Clara Convention Center. The exhibition featured over 400 inventions from 31 countries worldwide.
The 'Automatic Cleaning System for Condensate Pipes,' which won the Semi Grand Prix, gold medals, and a special award from the Taiwan Invention Association, is a technology co-developed by Korea Southern Power and Electric Co. This system automatically cleans the internal piping of condensate, a key component in power plants, eliminating the need for workers to manually soak sponges in water.
Korea Southern Power has automated the entire process from water absorption to input and recovery using a vacuum degassing method. The judging panel praised the technology's potential for broader application and suggested filing for international patents.
The 'AI Safety Web Platform Utilizing Public Data,' which received a gold medal and a special award from the China Invention Association, is an open safety management system built by safety management practitioners without additional budget input.
This system assists workers in assessing safety and conducting risk evaluations in environments where power plant operations and construction occur simultaneously. It utilizes public data, including the Legislative Office's Open API, and is designed to complement ChatGPT and NotebookLM, which received positive feedback. Korea Southern Power is offering this system free of charge.
Korea Southern Power plans to share the awarded technologies and R&D achievements through a technology exchange meeting with five power generation companies and aims to expand their application in line with the establishment of a unified power generation corporation.
Cho Young-hyuk, acting president of Korea Southern Power, stated, "We have received international recognition for our R&D capabilities and field-oriented technological innovations in Silicon Valley, the center of global innovation. Despite structural changes such as the integration of the five power generation companies, we will steadfastly pursue practical R&D and cooperation with small and medium-sized enterprises, fulfilling our role as the R&D control tower of the unified power generation corporation."
Korea Southern Power is also working on establishing a clean hydrogen complex in Saemangeum, integrating solar power generation, green hydrogen production through electrolysis, and hydrogen combustion power.
On August 14, Korea Southern Power signed a comprehensive business agreement for the establishment of the 'Saemangeum Green Energy Complex' with Moon Seong-yo, head of the Saemangeum Development Agency, and other officials at the Saemangeum Development Agency in Gunsan, Jeollabuk-do.
The project site covers approximately 3.05 million pyeong in the Saemangeum project area in Buan, Jeollabuk-do. The plan includes the construction of 1,000 MW of land-based solar power, 320 MW of electrolysis green hydrogen production facilities, and 100 MW of hydrogen combustion power.
The core of the project is a circular structure that transitions from 'electricity → hydrogen → electricity (P2G2P).' The electricity generated from solar power will be converted into green hydrogen through electrolysis, stored, and then converted back into electricity using hydrogen turbines. Korea Southern Power aims to supply the electricity produced to the power grid through long-term contracts with buyers in the clean hydrogen power market.
Korea Southern Power explained that while renewable energy generation, electrolysis, and hydrogen power have been individually demonstrated, this is the first time all three stages will be linked on a single site to verify system stability and economic viability.
The project will involve simultaneous demonstrations of large-capacity tandem solar cells, large-scale electrolysis, and hydrogen combustion turbines.
The project schedule will align with government policies and market openings. The Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment confirmed on August 7 that the clean hydrogen power market volume for this year will be set at 500 GWh and is preparing to announce bidding.
Korea Southern Power is currently negotiating with multiple companies to establish a special purpose company (SPC) and secure key equipment supply chains.
According to the agreement, the Saemangeum Development Agency will provide administrative support, including site provision, expedited processing of permits, and securing community acceptance, while Korea Southern Power will be responsible for building the business model and implementing regional coexistence plans. Both organizations have agreed to form a working-level council to advance the project.
Cho Young-hyuk, acting president of Korea Southern Power, stated, "We will realize a world-class green energy complex based on Saemangeum's excellent location and renewable energy potential, creating an energy transition model that grows alongside the local community."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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