S. Korea to build `smart grid` system to better use eco-friendly power

SEOUL, March 27 (Yonhap) -- South Korea plans to build a "smart grid" pilot
complex by 2011 that can enhance the country's ability to use eco-friendly power
resources, the government said Friday.
The future-oriented grid merges ordinary power lines with information technology
(IT) and satellite communication systems and permits real-time monitoring of
electricity demand and output, the Ministry of Knowledge Economy said.
The complex is to act as a national testbed to check the feasibility of the
system before expanding it on a national scale.
The plan is part of South Korea's effort to increase the percentage of green
energy from 2.4 percent of total power produced at present to 11 percent in the
next two decades.
Tracking electricity supply and getting timely feedback on power production makes
it easier to use electricity produced by solar panels and wind generators.
Because conventional monitoring systems are unable to keep track of sudden
changes in weather condition that affect reusable energy generation, such power
is rarely connected directly to national electricity grids, resulting in
inefficient use.
Smart grids can also help the country introduce hybrid or plug-in electric cars
that require detailed monitoring of power quality.
In addition to better use of clean energy, the system can allow consumers to
immediately check how much power they are using and choose to operate appliances
when the price is cheapest.
The country operates a flexible electric power pricing system that levies more
during peak times of the day.
The ministry in charge of industrial and energy policies said a basic plan will
be drawn by November on where to build the smart grid pilot complex, with
construction to be completed by June 2011.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
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