Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) has officially launched KEPCO Technology Holdings, a subsidiary aimed at connecting its portfolio of over 8,000 patents and public energy technologies to the growth of private enterprises. The initiative seeks to establish a comprehensive commercialization system that supports everything from technology transfer to direct investment, validation, and market expansion both domestically and internationally, with the goal of nurturing unicorn companies in the energy sector.
The Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment announced the launch ceremony on August 7 at KEPCO's headquarters in Naju, South Jeolla Province, attended by Minister Kim Sung-hwan and other officials.
KEPCO Technology Holdings is a wholly-owned subsidiary established to specialize in the commercialization of energy technologies. It will connect KEPCO's extensive patent portfolio related to power grids, transmission and distribution, renewable energy, and power data with promising startups and innovative energy companies.
Beyond simple technology transfers, the subsidiary plans to invest directly in promising companies and pursue technology contributions and joint ventures. As companies reach growth stages, KEPCO Technology Holdings aims to establish scale-up funds to support follow-up investments.
The subsidiary will also assist in technology validation using KEPCO's energy infrastructure and data. The objective is to create a complete growth system that encompasses business planning, technology transfer, validation, investment, product commercialization, and entry into domestic and international markets.
KEPCO has initially invested 20 billion won and plans to increase its capital by 20 billion won annually over the next five years, totaling 100 billion won. By 2035, the company aims to support 300 investment firms, manage assets worth 300 billion won, and achieve a valuation of 3 trillion won for its investment companies. Long-term goals include nurturing 10 global energy unicorns by 2050.
Lee Jong-min, a former vice president who led SK Telecom's future research and development organization, has been appointed as the inaugural CEO. Lee is a technology management expert with experience in artificial intelligence and communication technology development at the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) and SK Telecom. KEPCO plans to leverage private sector commercialization experience to develop KEPCO Technology Holdings into a specialized investment company.
During the launch ceremony, three memorandums of understanding were signed to foster a new energy industry ecosystem.
KEPCO and seven domestic solar inverter manufacturers, including OCI Power and Das Tech, agreed to collaborate on expanding domestic manufacturing capabilities. Additionally, LS Electric, Hyosung Heavy Industries, and HD Hyundai Electric will work together to establish a direct current (DC) industrial base in the Naju region, jointly promoting research and development, corporate investment, validation, and commercialization.
KEPCO and KEPCO Technology Holdings also formed an 'Energy New Business Investment Alliance' involving 10 investment institutions, including the Industrial Bank of Korea, IBK Industrial Bank, Korea Investment Partners, and IMM Investment. The participating institutions will jointly identify promising technologies and companies in the energy new business sector and facilitate private follow-up investments.
Minister Kim Sung-hwan stated, "KEPCO Technology Holdings should serve as a growth platform that connects public accumulated technologies to the market and develops corporate ideas into new industries. I hope that unicorn companies will emerge in the domestic energy sector, laying the foundation for South Korea to lead the global energy and green industry."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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