'8,000 Patents' KEPCO Technology Holdings Launched... Kim Sungwhan: "To Become Launchpad for Power Sector Unicorns"

KEPCO Technology Holdings, a wholly owned subsidiary of Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), was officially launched on August 7.

Kim Sung-hwan, Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment, attended the launch ceremony of Korea Electric Power Corporation's technology holding company held at the headquarters of Korea Electric Power Corporation in Naju, Gwangju, Jeollanam-do on the 7th and gave a congratulatory speech. Ministry of Climate

KEPCO Technology Holdings is a specialized subsidiary established with 100% investment from KEPCO, dedicated to the commercialization of technology in the energy sector. The company connects over 8,000 patents owned by KEPCO and promising public technologies, including those from the Korea Institute of Energy Technology (KENTECH), to aspiring entrepreneurs and energy innovation companies. It supports the commercialization of public technologies through technology transfer, equity investment, and the establishment of joint ventures. In the early stages of commercialization, the company will make direct investments, and as companies enter the growth phase, it plans to establish a growth-support (scaling up) fund to further support their development. Additionally, KEPCO Technology Holdings will comprehensively assist with demonstration projects and follow-on investments using KEPCO's energy infrastructure and data, as well as securing domestic sales channels and supporting joint entry into overseas markets. Through these efforts, it aims to establish a comprehensive growth system that spans from business planning to technology transfer, demonstration and investment, product commercialization, domestic market expansion, and entry into international markets.

At the launching ceremony of Korea Electric Power Corporation Technology Holdings held at the headquarters of Korea Electric Power Corporation in Naju-si, Gwangju, Jeonnam, on the 7th, from the left, Congressman Jinwook Jung, Mayor Byungtae Yoon of Naju, Minister Seonghwan Kim of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, President Dongcheol Kim of Korea Electric Power Corporation, and CEO Jongmin Lee of Korea Electric Power Corporation Technology Holdings, along with other attendees, are posing for a commemorative photo after unveiling the plaque. Ministry of Climate

At the launch ceremony held at KEPCO's headquarters in Naju, three business agreements were signed to promote technological commercialization, increase private investment, and lay the foundations for the future power industry. KEPCO and seven domestic solar inverter manufacturers signed a “business agreement to strengthen the competitiveness of Korea’s solar inverter industry.” The participating companies agreed to cooperate in expanding Korea’s solar inverter manufacturing base in line with the increasing deployment of renewable energy. The seven companies are OCI Power, Dasstech, Dongyang EnP, ECOS, DIK, Innoelectric, and Geumbi Electronics. In addition, KEPCO signed a “business agreement for attracting DC enterprise investment and building an industrial hub in Naju” with three power equipment manufacturers: LS Electric, Hyosung Heavy Industries, and HD Hyundai Electric. These companies will cooperate to build a DC industry base in Naju and to collaborate in R&D, corporate investment, demonstration projects, and commercialization.

KEPCO, KEPCO Technology Holdings, and 10 specialized investment institutions signed an “Investment Alliance for the Creation of a New Energy Business Investment Ecosystem.” The alliance was established to jointly identify promising technologies and companies in the new energy industry and create a system in which private investment institutions jointly invest. The 10 participating institutions are Korea Development Bank, IBK Industrial Bank of Korea, Korea Investment Partners, IMM Investment, LB Investment, Stonebridge Ventures, Purun Investment, Korea Science & Technology Holdings, ETRI Holdings, and Sopoong Ventures.

Kim Sung-hwan, Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment, attended the launch ceremony of the KEPCO Engineering & Construction Holdings held on the 7th at the headquarters of Korea Electric Power Corporation in Naju, Gwangju, Jeollanam-do. He delivered a congratulatory speech and participated with attendees in unveiling the plaque. Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment

Sungwhan Kim, Minister of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, wrote on his social media account, “Korea possesses excellent power technology and research achievements, but it has been regrettable that many technologies have not transitioned from laboratory research to the industry. Now, we will open a new path for public technologies to lead the growth of innovative companies and the creation of new industries.”

The minister added, “KEPCO Technology Holdings is an energy technology commercialization platform that connects KEPCO’s more than 8,000 patents and outstanding technologies to innovative companies. From business planning and technology transfer to demonstration, investment, productization, and both domestic and overseas market expansion, the company will serve as the launchpad for nurturing power sector unicorn companies through one-stop support across all processes. Through these efforts, we aim to greatly enhance Korea’s capabilities in commercializing energy technologies.” He also noted that the company would broaden the foundation for innovative companies to take root and grow in local regions, thus adding new vitality to local economies. He emphasized, “The Climate Ministry will serve as a strong stepping stone so that K-energy technologies, with KEPCO Technology Holdings at the center, can secure global competitiveness in the world market.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.