KOGAS President Hong Euirak Speeds Up Management Innovation Through AI, Collaboration, and Safety

Addressing Power Demand from AI and Semiconductors... Transforming into a Natural Gas-Based Energy Platform Company
Linking Real-Time Supply and Demand Data with Korea Power Exchange... Strengthening AI- and Data-Based Cooperation
From Organizational Culture Innovation to Eliminating Serious Accidents... Building a Field-Centered Management System

Korea Gas Corporation is accelerating management innovation to transform itself from a natural gas supplier into an AI- and data-based energy platform company. President Hong Eui-rak is driving change across the organization, from business innovation to address shifts in the energy supply and demand environment to improving corporate culture, strengthening cooperation with related organizations, and enhancing on-site safety. As electricity demand surges with the spread of AI and advanced industries, the company aims to expand its role beyond ensuring a stable fuel supply to strengthening the competitiveness of the entire energy system.

Hong Eui-rak, president of Korea Gas Corporation, delivers opening remarks at the 10th KOGAS Forum on Oct. 1. Korea Gas Corporation.

The management philosophy President Hong emphasizes is that "gas is electricity." Since natural gas generates electricity, which in turn powers advanced industries and the national economy, the competitiveness of gas is directly linked to the competitiveness of national industry. At the 10th KOGAS Forum, held in Seoul on October 1, he also discussed ways to address electricity demand with experts under the theme "The Three Mega Projects and the Role of Natural Gas." With electricity demand from advanced industries such as AI and semiconductors on the rise, he highlighted how natural gas power generation, which can start up quickly and adjust its output, can support the timely supply of electricity and grid stability.

On this basis, Korea Gas Corporation is pursuing a shift from a simple gas supplier to an energy platform company that connects energy and industry, technology and markets. President Hong says the company will respond to the changing energy landscape through the use of AI and data and innovation in carbon-neutral technologies. The aim is to consider natural gas demand and supply conditions that are difficult to fully capture through electricity supply and demand plans alone, and to redefine the role of gas in the energy transition.

The company is also strengthening cooperation among institutions. On September 29, Korea Gas Corporation signed a business agreement with the Korea Power Exchange to establish a cooperation framework for critical energy infrastructure. The two organizations agreed to share operational information related to gas and electricity supply and demand, respond jointly to emergencies, and promote technical exchanges among grid operations staff. In particular, starting in October, they plan to improve the computerized supply and demand information system to link and visualize, in real time, power plant startup and shutdown information and gas supply pressure. The goal is to connect gas and electricity data to quickly assess supply and demand conditions and strengthen the capacity to respond to crises.

Hong Eui-rak, president of Korea Gas Corporation (front row, center-right), proclaimed the “KOGAS Safety, Health and Environment Management Policy” at the company’s Daegu headquarters on September 28, reaffirming the companywide commitment to practicing safety management.

Innovation within the organization is also underway. On September 29 and 30, Korea Gas Corporation held an innovation insights workshop attended by members of its in-house innovation groups, "Innovation Crew" and "Gasneer." Employees with both longer and shorter tenures shared their first-half achievements and discussed ways to improve corporate culture and cooperation between departments. The company is also pursuing three major projects: living labs in collaboration with local communities, "work diet" initiatives to improve work efficiency, and efforts to foster a corporate culture people want to work in. It is also working to turn innovation into tangible results rather than leaving it as a slogan. In June, a case involving the use of AI to automate applications for reductions in city gas bills was selected for the Ministry of Finance and Economy's Innovation Project TOP 10. President Hong plans to use the innovation groups as communication channels between management and frontline employees, helping turn employees' ideas into practical improvements to work.

Safety, a prerequisite for management innovation, has also been identified as a key priority. On September 28, Korea Gas Corporation announced its Safety, Health and Environment Management Policy and established five key action priorities: proactive safety management based on AI and digital technology, fostering a self-directed safety culture, ensuring the integrity of gas facilities, promoting communication and mutual growth centered on field operations, and achieving carbon neutrality. The company aims to eliminate serious accidents by strengthening close, on-site safety management involving its headquarters, offices nationwide, and partner companies.

At the KOGAS Forum, President Hong Eui-rak said, "'Gas is electricity,' and gas is a key foundation that underpins the stability of electricity and ensures the timely supply of power needed by advanced industries. Korea Gas Corporation will go beyond simply supplying gas and transform into an 'energy platform company' that connects energy and industry, technology and markets through the use of AI and data and innovation in carbon-neutral technologies. By forging connections that add, expand, and create, we will lay a solid foundation for the future of industry and energy in the Republic of Korea."

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