KEPCO Technology Holdings Launched... Anticipated Boost for Naju Energy Valley Ecosystem

KEPCO Invests 100 Billion Won
Full Support for Technology Transfer, Startup Launch, Demonstration, and Investment

Linking Research and Industrial Infrastructure with Private Investment
Driving the Leap Toward an Innovative Energy Ecosystem

A technology commercialization company specializing in everything from research and development of energy technologies to commercialization, investment, and corporate growth has officially launched its operations in Naju.

The City of Naju, within Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City, announced on August 10 that "KEPCO Technology Holdings," a company specializing in energy technology commercialization and investment established by Korea Electric Power Corporation, officially launched on August 7 at the Korea Electric Power Corporation Vision Hall.

KEPCO Technology Holdings is an advanced technology holding company established with a 100 billion won investment from Korea Electric Power Corporation. It discovers promising technologies in the energy sector, supports their commercialization, invests in related companies, and helps foster startups and support corporate growth.

Yoon Byung-tae, Mayor of Naju City (fourth from the left), and other officials are taking a commemorative photo at the KEPCO Technical Holdings plaque unveiling ceremony. Provided by Naju City

In particular, the company plans to connect technologies held by Korea Electric Power Corporation and Korea Institute of Energy Technology (KENTECH), among others, with innovative companies, supporting the entire process from technology transfer, startup launches, demonstration, product development, and investment, to domestic and international market entry.

The company also plans to expand initial investments into the energy deep-tech sector, which requires significant time and capital for commercialization. It aims to establish a virtuous cycle by reducing funding gaps that arise during the technology commercialization process and reinvesting the returns into research and development and fostering new companies.

About 150 people attended the launch ceremony on August 7, including Yun Byung-tae, Mayor of Naju; Kim Seong-hwan, Minister of Climate, Energy, and Environment; National Assembly members Shin Jung-hoon and Jung Jin-wook; Kim Dong-cheol, President of Korea Electric Power Corporation; Kim Seong-jin, Chairman of Korea Power Exchange; and Lee Jong-min, inaugural CEO of KEPCO Technology Holdings, as well as representatives from the government, local authorities, energy public institutions, universities, companies, and investment institutions.

During the event, the founding background, vision, and future operational roadmap of KEPCO Technology Holdings were unveiled. In addition, several business agreements were signed, including the establishment of a DC industry hub, cooperation in the domestic photovoltaic inverter industry, and an investment alliance with participation from investment institutions.

The City of Naju expects the launch of KEPCO Technology Holdings to serve as an opportunity to elevate the industrial ecosystem of the Energy Valley, which has developed with Bitgaram Innovation City at its core.

Currently, Naju is home to major energy institutions, including Korea Electric Power Corporation, KEPCO KDN, KEPCO KPS, Korea Power Exchange, and Korea Institute of Energy Technology. The city is also expanding its foundation for the future energy industry, with the addition of artificial sun research facilities, the National Energy Industrial Complex, specialized clusters for materials, components, and equipment, and the construction of next-generation power grids.

With KEPCO Technology Holdings fully operational, it is expected that research and industrial infrastructure, together with private investment, will further strengthen the energy industry ecosystem, fostering a seamless flow from research and development to technology commercialization, investment, corporate growth, and market expansion.

The City of Naju plans to expand cooperation among industry, academia, research, and government, and to improve business growth foundations and living conditions, in order to support the stable settlement of KEPCO Technology Holdings.

Yun Byung-tae, Mayor of Naju, stated, "The launch of KEPCO Technology Holdings is an important turning point for Naju Energy Valley, enabling the region to become a fully integrated energy innovation ecosystem where technology, talent, and capital are organically connected. We will further strengthen the foundation for institutions and companies to grow together in Naju, ensuring that the innovation of Korea's energy industry is continued here."

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