DC grid technology and industrial applications
Direct current (DC) grid technology was discussed as a next-generation energy infrastructure priority for the Jeonnam-Gwangju region in response to the expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers and increased renewable energy deployment.
The Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) said on November 6 that it held the Jeonnam-Gwangju Energy Innovation Conference at BIXPO 2026 at the Kimdaejung Convention Center on November 5.
Representatives from energy companies and institutions attended the event to examine industrial applications of DC distribution technology and approaches to building power grids.
DC distribution can lower energy losses by reducing power conversion steps. However, actual efficiency improvements vary depending on the power supply method and equipment configuration.
Expert presentations addressed five topics, including next-generation grid construction, industrial facility applications, electrical safety standards and power supply reliability.
Grid stability and safety requirements
Kim Yun-su, head of the Power Grid Research Center at GIST's Next-Generation Energy Research Institute, explained that damping design to suppress oscillations and instability in DC grids is important for supplying reliable power to AI data centers.
Participants also discussed technical safeguards and updates to relevant regulatory frameworks needed to expand DC distribution. The discussions addressed the need to review equipment protection and safety management standards alongside grid stability when applying the technology in industrial settings.
BIXPO 2026, hosted by Korea Electric Power Corporation, ran from November 4 to November 6. About 220 companies from South Korea and abroad participated, presenting power and energy technologies and related industry trends.
Original Korean article: betanews.net
English brief by Korea Wind Intelligence, koreawindintel.com
