Offshore Solar Blue Ocean Sailing with Independent Technology - Representative Lee Haeng-woo of BK Energy

One day, solar panels caught the eye of President Lee Haeng-woo, who was involved in an artificial reef business. President Lee questioned the purpose of installing solar panels on the hillside. "Should we cut down trees in limbo and allow sunlight to filter through?" With this question, he began contemplating new solar power generation. Lee Haeng-woo's idea emerged: the floating solar system.

"My experience in the artificial reef business motivated me to develop floating solar power. Installing solar panels on rivers or seas not only avoids tree cutting but also creates shade for fish, simulating an artificial reef effect. Since floating solar power hadn't been attempted globally, I saw it as an opportunity to lead the market. I applied for a related technology patent in 2014 and started the business."

President Lee Haeng-woo noted that the land-based solar panel installation market is saturated. Large companies dominated it, and fierce competition arose with the influx of cheap Chinese panels. Conversely, floating solar technology remained an uncharted territory or a "blue ocean" in foreign countries.

To earnestly develop floating solar power technology, President Lee Haeng-woo established the headquarters in Yeosu, Jeollanam-do, set up a research center and factory in Gunsan, Jeollabuk-do, and a sales office in Seoul, paving the way for the business.

"The distinctive feature of BK Energy's floating solar power is the panel's rotation in sync with the sun's movement. This yields over 15% higher power generation efficiency compared to fixed types. We've commenced commercial operations of 500 kW at Maehyang Reservoir in Boryeong, South Chungcheong Province. This unique technology, exclusive to BK Energy, will be installed in Hakpa Reservoir in Yeongam, Jeollanam-do, Oma Reclamation in Goheung, Haenam Budong District Reclamation, Boryeong Lake in Chungcheongnam-do, and Idong Reservoir in Yongin, Gyeonggi-do."

That's not all. BK Energy also plans to install offshore solar power systems at Daedori and Goseong Dang ports in Hadong, Gyeongsangnam-do. However, solar power generation at sea faces challenges such as facility corrosion due to salinity and decreased efficiency due to salt accumulation on panels, discouraging many solar development companies.

Nevertheless, President Lee Haeng-woo overcame these drawbacks by developing a special nano-coating preventing salt accumulation on the panels.

"Recently, I came across an article discussing 'Sadunggang Panels' installed in Nakdonggang River. Bird droppings reduce solar panel efficiency, escalating maintenance costs. Adding salt, fine dust, and pollen compounds the issue, making solar facilities operationally challenging. To counter this, we've developed a hydrophilic inorganic nano-coating. Spraying a solution containing particles smaller than water drops prevents salt settlement and keeps the panels clean. Additionally, our technology efficiently removes salt and fine dust with minimal water during cleaning."

BK Energy's pioneering nanocoating technology garnered international attention. President Lee Haeng-woo's commitment to technological advancement continued as they developed and distributed solutions for efficient solar power generation in Korea's limited land and mountainous regions. Their artificial intelligence-based agricultural solar system, installed in rice fields or farmlands, exemplifies this.

"The agricultural solar system involves installing panels directly on rice paddies or fields, allowing space conservation by folding panels during fieldwork. Usually, open panels hinder crop growth due to light obstruction essential for growth. For instance, rice needs a light saturation point of 40 to 45%. By installing agricultural solar panels in these areas, only 5.6% of the space is utilized, making it an essential facility for our country."

BK Energy's original and practical technology attracted international interest, evident in President Lee's recent visit to Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture, signing an export contract for agricultural solar facilities. Additionally, BK Energy partnered with EDPR, a prominent Spanish renewable energy company, and secured a $100 million contract to build a 200MW solar power facility in Goheung, Jeollanam-do.

"I believe our achievements stem from our relentless pursuit of unexplored territories through technology. BK Energy holds around 30 applied or registered patents. Small and medium-sized enterprises face immense challenges, especially amid COVID-19. To overcome these hurdles, we must remain competitive. BK Energy aims to sustain competitiveness through continuous technology development and patents."

President Lee Haeng-woo aims to list the company on the stock market by 2024. With BK Energy's current growth and comprehensive business performance, it's poised for listing. As the floating solar power generation represents a blue ocean market, BK Energy's future growth appears promising.

How much BK Energy can achieve in the global market with steadfast technological development remains to be seen! We're eagerly looking forward that future!

Source : The Inventor's Hall(https://blog.naver.com/inventor1999/222855136278)