The Korea Electric Power Company (KEPCO) has reaffirmed its commitment to investing in the Philippine energy sector, underscoring its support for renewable energy development, smart grid technology, and nuclear energy cooperation.
In a courtesy meeting with Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla on 25 February 2025, KEPCO President Kim Dong-Cheol reaffirmed the company’s commitment to maintaining its presence in the country, despite earlier announcements in 2023 regarding the sale of its coal assets in the country as part of its transition to clean energy.
KEPCO aims to accelerate its investments in renewable energy, in line with its carbon neutrality goals and the planned phaseout of coal by 2050.
Currently, KEPCO operates the 200 megawatts coal-fired power plant in Naga City, Cebu, a joint venture of KEPCO Philippines Holdings Inc. and Cebu-based company, SPC Power. KEPCO also has a 38-percent share in Solar Philippines subsidiary Solar Philippines Calatagan Corp., which runs a 63.3-MW solar farm in Calatagan, Batangas.
The meeting highlighted the shared commitment of the Philippines and Korea to sustainable energy solutions. Specifically, the discussion focused on three key areas --- renewable energy nuclear energy and the Korea's Smart Grid Platform.
KEPCO President Kim shared valuable insights into Korea’s highly stable power grid, highlighting its low transmission and distribution losses, as well as the significant reduction in power outages. He explained that this reliability is largely attributed to the Intelligent Digital Power (IDP) management system, which leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance efficiency, optimize grid operations, and swiftly detect and respond to potential issues. By integrating advanced AI-driven technologies, Korea has been able to maintain a resilient and efficient power infrastructure, ensuring consistent and reliable electricity supply to consumers.
“We welcome KEPCO’s continued commitment to the Philippine energy sector, particularly in advancing renewable energy, smart grid technology, and nuclear energy cooperation. As the Philippines pursues a just and inclusive energy transition, partnerships with experienced and forward-looking companies like KEPCO will be instrumental in strengthening our energy security and sustainability. We recognize KEPCO’s expertise in intelligent digital power management and appreciate its efforts to share the best practices that can enhance the efficiency and reliability of our own power grid. We look forward to further collaboration in building a cleaner, more resilient, and technology-driven energy future for the country,” Secretary Lotilla said. ###