Korea Power Exchange (KPX) plans to launch a “quasi-centrally scheduled load system” in which renewable energies and virtual power plants are used as scheduled power sources starting this spring.
The step is being taken to raise the stability of the power grid by making the most of renewable energies amid a period of lower power demand and less load.
KPX announced the step on Jan. 22. The quasi-centrally scheduled load system will be put into operation from spring of 2026.
The quasi-centrally scheduled load system for renewable energies allows non-scheduled power generators, which have so far not been dispatched, to be utilized as scheduled load sources and provide incentives for offering controllable power amounts.
The system made its debut in October 2024 in a pilot project.
It is to be expanded to cover renewable energy generators, such as photovoltaic power and wind power in March 2026.
In particular, it is the first time renewable energies and VPPs have been systematized into scheduled power load sources.
The scope of beneficiaries is limited to power generators connected to regional power distribution stations, except ones in Jeju and on the East Coast among power grid substations.
Generators with a capacity of 20MW or more are allowed to participate independently. Smaller generators may be accepted in a format of VPPs via middlemen.
Power grid substations refers to substations subject to frequent output control over power generation equipment with saturated contact capacity.
The periods for operating the system range from March to May and from September to November annually. Operation time is from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily, seven day a week.
Participatory businesses are required to be equipped with online remotely controlled functions at work within one minute of real-time dispatching by KPX.
They are also obligated to participate in a renewable energy generation prediction system.
Acting KPX Chairman & CEO Kim Hong-guen said, “It takes on significance that renewable energies and virtual power plants on land have been established as scheduled power sources for the first time, and changing renewable energies, future power grid resources, from rigid resources as flexible dispatched ones is expected to achieve energy transition in a stable fashion.”
Korea Smart Grid Expo Taking Place under Theme ‘Future Energy Connected to DC and Controlled by AI’
Korea Smart Grid Expo 2026, the nation’s sole smart grid exhibition, took place at COEX in Samseong-dong, Seoul, from Feb. 4 to Feb. 6.
Korea Smart Grid Expo 2026, held under the theme “Future Energy Connected to DC and Controlled by AI,” showcased next-generation power grids and new energy industry solutions.
Korea Smart Grid Expo, being organized by Korea Smart Grid Association, is an exhibition for the latest technologies and business models in the whole of the energy industry, prioritizing smart grid and encompassing distributed energy, energy storage system, EV charging infrastructure.
LS ELECTRIC showed off DC transmission technologies, such as HVDC and STATCOM and AI-based smart distribution solutions under the theme “Driving the Energy Highway: Powering the Paradigm Shift.”
KEPCO presented smart energy solutions through DC distribution technologies, such as LVDC and MVDC and intelligent power grid technologies, such as SEDA and IDPP.
LG Energy Solution displayed End-to-End energy solutions for stabilizing energy supply with a focus on ESS and power gird technologies.
KHNP unveiled pumped-storage hydroelectricity solutions for responding to climate change and diversifying energy portfolio while KEPCO KDN introduced power ICT-based solutions, such as the Feeder Remote Terminal Unit and KDN VPP.
KPX ramped up communications with participants of an open seminar, which took place under the theme “Jeju Pilot Project and the Demand Resources Trading Market.”
The expo held an exhibition of posts targeting 18 winning entries of the 2nd Smart Grid Idea Contest following the first one last year.
One of the side events of the expo was the 12th Next-Generation Power Grid Forum.
Participants of the forum shared core technology trends of the power industry, such as the operational direction of KEPCO’s regional flexibility service, AI-based distributed power gird R&D and the current statues of establishing DC factories.
Experts from industry, academia and research circles shared ways of invigorating new energy industries through debate. The Korea Smart Grid Expo 2026 coincided with Electric Energy Conference & Show 2026 (ELECS 2026).
A KSGA official said, “The expo is expected to serve as an opportunity to share technologies and invigorate new energy industries amid DC and AI-based power grid transition and trends of spreading distributed energy.”
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