BK Energy begins R&D for ‘floating solar power’... Secures 3 billion won in national funding

"Unlike conventional solar power, focusing on 'ecosystem preservation'... Preventing algae growth, securing water resources, an environmentally friendly energy source without encroaching on farmland... Can be linked to tourism resources; advantages include environmental benefits," said President Lee Haeng-woo. He added, "It will not only improve water quality but also transform into a cultural and tourism hub."

Recently, as interest in the environment is focused due to rapid climate change, solar energy is emerging as an alternative.

However, the solar panel business installed on the hillside has been pointed out as a cause of the recent torrential rain, as well as cutting down fine trees and causing landslides.

‘Floating solar power’ is the solution to this problem at once. Floating solar power is a method of installing solar panels on reservoirs, rivers, or the sea.

It has the advantage of not having to cut down trees, and it can provide shade for fish, creating the same effect as an artificial reef. This also helps improve water quality, such as protecting the ecological environment and preventing green algae due to abnormal temperatures.

In particular, the facility can be developed as a tourist destination through various lighting and landscape creation, so it is known as an unprecedented blue ocean.

What is more positive is that domestic companies have unrivaled technological capabilities in the floating solar power business and are actively engaged in research and development.

Yeosu BK Energy Co., Ltd. (President Lee Haeng-woo) is considered a representative company. BK Energy Co., Ltd. is actively engaged in research and development of reservoir floating solar power in collaboration with Segi General Environment Co., Ltd., Chonbuk National University Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation, and Korea Electronics Technology Institute.

Recently, an agreement was signed with the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and a total of KRW 3.5 billion, including KRW 500 million in self-funded funds and KRW 3 billion in government funding, was invested to begin full-scale research and development of the ‘ICT-based cultural tourism-linked water purification floating solar power pilot construction project.’

This project involves building a floating solar power plant on the water of reservoirs and dams.

While fulfilling the original purpose of supplying water for agriculture and drinking, the goals include developing an environmentally friendly energy source without deforestation or encroachment on farmland, preventing algae growth due to abnormal temperatures, securing water resources by inhibiting evaporation, improving the habitat for aquatic organisms to protect underwater ecological environments, aiming to integrate with cultural and tourism activities.

"If the R&D of this pilot project is successfully built, there are 14,133 agricultural reservoirs managed by local governments, 3,372 agricultural reservoirs managed by the Korea Rural Affairs Corporation, and 53 dams managed by K-water, for a total of 17,599 in Korea, In 206 countries around the world, there are an immeasurable number of reservoirs, dams, and shared water surfaces, and it will be a catalyst for improving water quality and becoming a mecca for cultural tourism", said Lee Haeng-woo, president of BK Energy. He added, "I am confident that it will be a high-quality renewable energy source that enhances the environment and value of the earth."

Source: Hangang Times (http://www.hg-times.com) Reporter Yoon Jong-cheol 2022.09.07 15:44

BK Energy begins development of floating solar power for tourism to improve water quality

Implementation of ICT-based cultural tourism-linked water purification floating solar power pilot construction project

BK Energy has begun developing floating solar power that can be used as a tourism resource while improving water quality in reservoirs.

BK Energy (President Lee Seung-woo), a member of the Korea Solar Industry Association, announced on the 7th that it will conduct a research and development project with Century Comprehensive Environment, Jeonbuk National University Industrial Cooperation Group, and the Korea Electronics Technology Institute to build a pilot project for water purification linked to cultural tourism based on ICT.

This project is worth a total of 3.5 billion won, including 3 billion won in government funding and 500 million won in self-funding, and will be carried out for three years until July 2025.

Floating solar power plants installed on the water of reservoirs and dams are structured to build renewable energy power plants while carrying out their original purpose of supplying agricultural or drinking water.

However, in some areas, installation of floating solar power may be difficult due to opposition from local residents who value the preservation of natural scenery.

In addition, the project is sometimes difficult to proceed due to opposition from residents who demand improvement in the water quality of the reservoir.

Accordingly, through this research and development, the BK Energy Consortium developed an eco-friendly energy source that does not damage forests and encroaches farmland, prevents green algae from abnormal temperatures, secures water resources by suppressing evaporation, protects the underwater ecological environment by improving the habitat environment of aquatic organisms. The plan is to secure floating solar power technology.

An official from the BK Energy consortium said, "Through this research and development, we expect to improve the water quality of 17,599 reservoirs in Korea and an incalculable number of reservoirs, dams, and shared water surfaces around the world." He added, "We are confident that it will become a catalyst for becoming a cultural tourism mecca and a high-quality renewable energy source that enhances the environment and value of the earth."

Source: Electric Newspaper (https://www.electimes.com) Reporter Yang Jin-young 2022.09.07. 17:16