Officials from KHNP, Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) and Soland celebrate their localization of the CIGS cell module and obtaining of the nation’s first KS certificate on the technology.

Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co. (KHNP) has succeeded in localizing a copper indium gallium selenide solar cell (CIGS cell) — a light, flexible thin-film solar cell used to convert sunlight into electric power. KHNP had finished localization of the CIGS cell module along with Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) and obtained a KS certificate on the technology for the first time in Korea on Jan. 21.

The localization, led by KHNP, was evaluated affirmatively to help the SME secure technology competitiveness through collaboration with the research institute, and lay the groundwork for the development of the photovoltaic power industry ecosystem.

Even though the CIGS cell module is about 15 percent less efficient in power generation compared to conventional ones, the former boasts of a next-generation product: lightweight and flexibility, allowing installation at multiple places.

KHNP has been verifying a 3kW CIGS cell module installed on the rooftop of KIER since last June. KHNP plans to conduct a verification on the installation of a 3kW CIGS cell module on the vertical facade of the KIER building in the first half of the year and install an additional 10kW CIGS cell module facility for verification.

The project will serve as an opportunity for KHNP to expand a project related to the Building Integrated Photovoltaic System (BIPV) in compliance with the government’s policy of making zero energy buildings mandatory and achieving “Green New Deal.”

“The flexible photovoltaic technology has been commercialized in only solar module leaders such as Japan and Europe, and the development of the homegrown module technology is the first case,” KHNP President Chung Jae-hoon said.

The localization will contribute to diversifying installation places of photovoltaic panels, exporting the photovoltaic power market and expanding the renewable energy, he added.

KHNP singed an MOU on cooperation in building the Saemangeum green hydrogen production cluster with eight organizations, including Jeollabuk-do, Saemangeum Development and Investment Agency (SDIA), Gunsan City, Hyundai Rotem and Doosan Heavy Industries and Construction at the provincial government on Jan. 19.

Under the agreement, the eight entities have agreed to building the nation’s largest green hydrogen production cluster designed to produce, store, transport and utilize hydrogen using large-scale renewal energy resources being made available at the Saemangeum area.