Northern Power Systems has commissioned four of its NPS 100 wind turbines in South Korea’s newest and most advanced hybrid energy project, while working in close collaboration with the national grid operator Korean Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), to ensure effective delivery of this hybrid microgrid.
The 100kW turbines are the largest component of energy generation in what’s known as a “high-penetration” wind-diesel hybrid system with solar and storage. Power is now delivered to remote island residents with an integrated, reliable wind/solar/storage supply for as low as $.25 per kWh, representing substantial savings over the previous diesel-only energy solution.
The NPS 100-21 was chosen due to its superior energy production, its compatibility with multiple generation technologies, a proven history of operating in hybrid microgrids, and its ability to withstand typhoons that regularly affect the region. The distributed wind turbines were supplied and installed in cooperation with Haebaram Energy.
The installation also features a KEPCO developed Energy Management System (EMS), 314 kW array of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and a 3 MWh Hyosung battery storage facility. The site provides enough power to supply more than 160 homes, a water treatment plant, a lighthouse and radar station on the island.
The project is the cornerstone of an initiative to transform the islands around the Korean peninsula into renewable power communities, no longer dependent on fossil fuel and government subsidies. The microgrid and full inverter were designed by KEPCO which plans to install similar systems on additional local islands.
Northern Power Systems is now offering throughout Asia both its next generation distributed wind turbine, featuring state-of-the-art blade technology and a variety of hub heights, as well as proven capabilities to effectively deliver reliable power generation in a variety of environmental conditions.
Troy Patton, CEO and President of Northern Power Systems, said, “We are excited to be bringing our solutions to Asian markets. We have been helping to deliver stable energy solutions to hybrid microgrids for over 10 years in North America. During this time we have proven that we can provide a significantly lower cost of energy that leverages local natural resources.”
