2026 IERE-KEPCO Seoul Energy Equation Workshop

About

Theme

The 2026 IERE-KEPCO International Workshop, under the theme “The Energy Equation: Clean, Safe, Reliable and Digital Future”, aims to explore the balanced solutions that will define the next generation of the global power industry. As the world accelerates its transition toward carbon neutrality, achieving harmony among energy security, environmental sustainability, and the technological innovation has become the central equation to solve.

The workshop will bring together experts from utilities, academia, and industry to discuss emerging strategies and technologies shaping this transformation. Sessions will focus on the Future Power Grid, highlighting digitalization and smart-grid innovation; Stable Power Supply and Efficiency Management, emphasizing reliability and system optimization; Towards Carbon Neutrality, addressing clean fuels, renewable integration, and low carbon technologies; and Safety, Disaster and Environmental Response, exploring risk management and system resilience in an evolving climate era.

Through global collaboration and open dialogue, the workshop seeks to redefine how the energy equation can be balanced-ensuring that the future of power remains clean, safe, reliable, and digitally empowered.

Who Should Attend?

The workshop is intended for experts actively involved in the selected themes, from IERE members and non-members, as well as all those interested in the evolution of the electrical power industry and the technology development and business development opportunities associated to this evolution. IERE and KEPCO will invite prominent speakers for keynote speeches.

Overview

In-Person Schedule (Seoul, Korea)

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Registration & Welcome Reception (Evening)

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

2026 IERE-KEPCO Seoul Energy Equation Workshop (Day 1)

Official Dinner

Thursday, May 21, 2026

2026 IERE-KEPCO Seoul Energy Equation Workshop (Day 2)

Friday, May 22, 2026

Technical Tour (Optional)

Online Schedule (Via Webex)

By offering online streaming of selected content that was previously accessible only to in-person attendees, we hope this workshop will provide you with an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of IERE. We sincerely hope it will encourage you to participate in future IERE events and to engage actively in information exchange within our platform, thereby contributing to the IERE community.
The streamed program features distinguished content, including Keynote Speeches under the theme “The Energy Equation: Clean, Safe, Reliable, and Digital Future”, and Special Sessions are reporting of the Technology Foresight 2025, introducing the featured company’s overview, strategies, and roadmaps related to planning and management.
We are confident that this program will offer valuable insights not only to researchers but also to professionals involved in planning and management, and that it will serve as a meaningful source of knowledge for a wide audience.

Wednesday, May 20, 2026 | 08:50–10:20 (Local Time)

Plenary Session

Thursday, May 21, 2026 | 08:40–09:55 (Local Time)  

Special Session (Part 1 & 2)

Program

Please note that the session structure and speakers are subject to change based on final contributions.

May 19, 2026

Welcome Reception

May 20, 2026

Opening Session

Opening Address, Congratulatory Speech, Welcome Speech

Plenary Session

Keynote Speeches: “The Energy Equation: Clean, Safe, Reliable, and Digital Future” | Webex Live Stream

Technical Session 1: Future Power Grid

This session explores the technological backbone of the next-generation electric power system. The focus is on Grid Modernization and Digital Transformation, utilizing smart hardware and advanced communications to build a highly intelligent and observable network. A key area is High-Penetration Renewables Integration, addressing the technical challenges of managing massive, variable clean energy sources. We will delve into innovations in Advanced Transmission Technologies like High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) and Flexible AC Transmission System (FACTS) to enhance capacity and stability. The program includes presentations on strategies for Cyber Resilience to safeguard critical Operational Technology (OT) and discussions on developing Next-Generation Market Structures that facilitate transactions across a decentralized grid. This session offers critical insights into the architecture of a smarter, more dynamic, and interconnected power system.

Potential topics include:
・Digital Grid Upgrade (e.g. Smart substations, digital twins)
・Renewables Integration
・DC-grids (i.e. HVDC, MVDC, LVDC)
・Resilience
・Market Innovation (i.e. platforms or markets for decentralized and decarbonized grids)

Technical Session 2: Stable Power Supply and Efficiency Management

This session is dedicated to the technologies that ensure reliability, power quality, and operational efficiency in complex power networks. A primary focus is on Grid-Scale Energy Storage Systems (ESS), examining their role in frequency regulation, stability, and load leveling. We will explore the development of Microgrids and Advanced Grid Control using Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) to optimize power flow, manage voltage, and ensure quick response to disturbances. Crucial topics feature Smart Load & Demand-Side Management (DSM) for actively shaping consumption patterns, and leveraging high-resolution AMI Data Analytics for loss reduction and system intelligence. This session highlights achieving cost-effective dispatch through Asset Performance Management (APM) and sophisticated operational planning, maintaining continuous, high-quality power delivery.

Potential topics include:
・Energy Storage System (ESS)
・Microgrid Control
・Demand Optimization (DSM)
・AI Grid Control (AI/ML implementation)
・Asset Performance Management (APM)
・Virtual Power Plant (VPP)
・Fault Diagnosis

Official Dinner

May 21, 2026

Special Session (Part 1)

Report of Technology Foresight 2025 (Tentative) | Webex Live Stream

Special Session (Part 2)

Featured Company Overviews, Strategies, and Roadmaps | Webex Live Stream

Technical Session 3: Towards Carbon Neutrality

This session addresses the transformative technologies required to achieve net-zero emissions within the energy sector. We will examine holistic Decarbonization Pathways and System Modelling to guide the transition process. A significant focus is on Power-to-X (P2X) and Green Hydrogen, exploring the production, storage, and utilization of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier and dispatchable power source. The program welcomes presentations on Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) for hard-to-abate emissions. Furthermore, the session explores Sector Coupling and Electrification, where the power grid integrates with transportation and industry to drive broader emission reductions. This session showcases the innovative solutions driving the energy transition toward a sustainable, low-carbon future.

Potential topics include:
・Decarbonization Pathways (Solar, Wind)
・Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS)
・Fuel Diversification in Power Generation (Hydrogen and Ammonia)
・Sustainable Sources (e.g. Bioenergy)
・Sector Coupling
・Smart Power Plants (e.g. IDPP, Intelligent Digital Power Plant)

Technical Session 4: Safety, Disaster and Environmental Response

This session centers on technologies and strategies that enhance the resilience, safety, and environmental responsibility of the energy industry. A major theme is Extreme Weather and Climate Change Adaptation, focusing on safety of employees at Work (Occupational Health and Safety) by the engineering for “hardening” critical infrastructure against increasing physical threats. We will examine Intelligent Asset Health Management (I-AHM), utilizing AI and sensors for predictive maintenance and enhanced worker safety. Essential for rapid recovery are Disaster Response Automation and Wide Area Monitoring System/Phasor Measurement Unit (WAMS/PMU) Integration, enabling quick fault isolation and operational continuity. Finally, the session covers Environmental Monitoring and Impact Mitigation to ensure regulatory compliance and responsible operations, alongside the critical topic of Integrated Cyber-Physical Security for control systems OT.

Potential topics include:
・Occupational Health and Safety
・Infrastructure Hardening (i.e. advanced monitoring and sensors)
・Predictive Maintenance
・Disaster Response Automation
・Environmental Compliance
・Cyber Security and Robotics/Drone
・AI enhanced Safety

Closing Remarks

Schedule

Note: The program may be subject to change according to the registration of speakers and participants.

Presentations that will be streamed online have an asterisk (*) appended to the end of their titles.

Day0: May 19, 2026

Venue: Keumsoo Room, The Ambassador Seoul – A Pullman Hotel

18:30–19:00	Registration
19:00–21:00	Welcome Reception

Day1: May 20, 2026

Venue: Legacy Room, The Ambassador Seoul – A Pullman Hotel

Opening Session

General Chair: Gyuhwa LEE, Senior researcher, R&D Biz Team, Div. of R&D Strategy,
KEPCO Research Institute, Korea Electric Power Corporation, South Korea

08:00–08:30 Registration

08:30–08:40	O-1	Opening Address Munib AMIN, IERE Chair
08:40–08:45	O-2	Congratulatory Speech Il-Joo MUN, Executive Vice President, Chief Technology Officer, Korea Electric Power Corporation, South Korea
08:45–08:50	O-3	Welcome Speech Dae-Han KIM, Vice President, Korea Electric Power Corporation, South Korea

Plenary Session

Keynote Speeches

08:50–09:20	K-1	Energy AI: Trends and the Future of Power Systems* Hongseok KIM, Professor, Electronic Engineering, Sogang University, South Korea	Slides
09:20–09:50	K-2	KEPCO’s Comprehensive Readiness for MVDC Distribution Network Implementation* Heo HUN, General Manager, New Business Technology Laboratory, KEPCO Research Institute, South Korea	Slides
09:50–10:20	K-3	Transitioning to a Distributed Grid Operating System: KEPCO’s Nationwide ADMS Rollout and Future DSO Strategy* Jeong Hun KIM, Senior Researcher, R&D Strategy Center, KEPCO Research Institute, South Korea	Slides

10:20–10:50 Coffee Break and Group Photo

Technical Session 1: Future Power Grid

Chairperson: NOMOTO Satoshi, Research Scientist, Grid Innovation Research Laboratory, Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry, Japan

10:50-11:10	S1-2	Overview of IDPP Platform and Future Research Plan Chang Hwan SUNG, General Manager, Digital Solution Research Institute, Korea Electric Power Corporation, South Korea	Abstract	Slides
11:10-11:30	S1-3	Design of BorWin6 Offshore Wind Power Grid- connected VSC-HVDC Project YANG Bingjian, Project Manager, Department of HVDC, China Electric Power Research Institute, China	Abstract	Slides
11:30-11:50	S1-4	KEPCO Solution of Intelligent Digital Substation Nam Ho LEE, General Manager, KEPCO Research Institute, Korea Electric Power Corporation, South Korea	Abstract	Slides

11:50–13:30 Lunch (Workshop Venue: Legacy Room)

Technical Session 2: Stable Power Supply and Efficiency Management

Chairperson: Kijun PARK, Head of AI Laboratory, KEPCO Research Institute, Korea Electric Power Corporation, South Korea

13:30–13:50	S2-1	Assessment of optimal Ancillary Services for High Renewable Power Systems using Frequency Response Model Kai-You LAI, Electrical Engineer, Electric Power Research Laboratory, Taiwan Power Company, Taiwan	Abstract	Slides
13:50–14:10	S2-2	Fast Classification of Static Voltage Stability Using Machine Learning with Generator Unit Commitment Status NOMOTO Satoshi, Research Scientist, Grid Innovation Research Laboratory, Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry, Japan	Abstract	Slides
14:10–14:30	S2-3	KEPCO’s Asset Management System(K-AMS) for T&D utilities: Development, Deployment and Roadmap Woosung CHOI, Principal Researcher, KEPCO Research Institute, Korea Electric Power Corporation, South Korea	Abstract	Slides
14:30–14:50	S2-4	Solving the Reliability Equation: Autonomous Robotic Inspection for Grid Stability & Availability Oussama DAROUICHI, Senior Director of Utilities, Commercial, ANYbotics, Switzerland	Abstract	Slides

14:50–15:20 Coffee Break

Technical Session 2: Stable Power Supply and Efficiency Management

Chairperson: TAKEI Katsuhito, Secretary General, IERE

15:20–15:40	S2-5	Next-Generation ESS Strategies: Power-Energy Decoupling for Grid Applications Using a Supercapacitor and Batteries Storage Mix Byungjun PARK, Principal Researcher, KEPCO Research Institute, Korea Electric Power Corporation, South Korea	Abstract	Slides
15:40–16:00	S2-7	Harnessing Electric Vehicle Flexibility via AC V2G Systems: KEPCO’s Pilot Results and Future Outlook Kijun PARK, Head of AI Laboratory, KEPCO Research Institute, Korea Electric Power Corporation, South Korea	Abstract	Slides

Technical Session 3: Towards Carbon Neutrality

Chairperson: OKI Yuso, Director, IERE

16:00–16:20	S3-1	Fiber Optic Sensing Technology Based on Fabry- Perot Interferometry and Its Application in Settlement Monitoring of Pumped Storage Power Stations ZHAI Di, Senior Engineer, Department of Power Sensing, China Electric Power Research Institute, China	Abstract	Slides
16:20–16:40	S3-2	Hydrogen and ammonia gas turbine R&D in KEPCO Jungkeuk PARK, Team leader, Energy & Environment Laboratory, Korea Electric Power Corporation, South Korea	Abstract	Slides
16:40–17:00	S3-3	Emerging Fuels for Power Generation Assets Thomas MARTZ, Senior Principal Team Lead, Generation, Electric Power Research Institute, US	Abstract	Slides

19:00–21:00 Official Dinner (Workshop Venue: Legacy Room)

Day 2: May 21, 2026

Venue: Legacy Room, The Ambassador Seoul – A Pullman Hotel

08:00–08:30 Registration

Special Session (Part 1)

Chairperson: TAKEI Katsuhito, Secretary General, IERE

08:40–09:05

SP-1

Report of Technology Foresight 2025* Ankit A. SHUKLA, Vice President, TechVision, Frost & Sullivan, UK

Abstract

Slides

Special Session (Part 2): Featured Company Overviews, Strategies, and Roadmaps

Chairperson: TAKEI Katsuhito, Secretary General, IERE

09:05–09:30	SP-2	Global Collaboration to Advance Low-Carbon Fuels and Emerging Technologies* Neil KERN, Area Manager, Emerging Fuels and Technologies, Electric Power Research Institute, US	Slides
09:30–09:55	SP-3	TEPCO’s Perspective on the Future of Energy* SONO Akihisa, General Manager, Management Strategy Research Office, TEPCO Research Institute (TRI) , Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc., Japan	Slides

09:55–10:35 Coffee Break

Technical Session 3: Towards Carbon Neutrality

Chairperson: Tracy LESLIE, Program Manager, Emerging Fuels and Technologies, Electric Power Research Institute, US

10:35–10:55	S3-4	Optimized siting of hybrid renewable energy infrastructure in Kenya using geospatial techniques Esther ANYONA, Master’s Student, Graduate School of Social Innovation and Practice for Smart Society, Hiroshima University, Japan	Abstract	Slides
10:55–11:15	S3-6	CLP Power’s Decarbonisation with the Rise of New Energy Ka Wan LAU, Lead Planning Engineer, Business Strategy – Generation, CLP Power Hong Kong Ltd., Hong Kong SAR	Abstract	Slides

Chairperson: Jungkeuk PARK, Team leader, Energy & Environment Laboratory, Korea Electric Power Corporation, South Korea

11:15–11:35	S3-7	Low-Carbon Molecules at EnBW R&D: Key Activities for a Sustainable Future Reihaneh ZOHOURIAN, Head of Hydrogen R&D, Research and Development, EnBW Energie Baden-Württemberg, Germany	Abstract	Slides
11:35–11:55	S3-8	Sector Coupling in Practice: An Energy Hub Approach for Power and Industry Tracy LESLIE, Program Manager, Emerging Fuels and Technologies, Electric Power Research Institute, US	Abstract	Slides

11:55–13:30 Lunch (The King’s restaurant)

Technical Session 4: Safety, Disaster and Environmental Response

Chairperson: Oussama DAROUICHI, Senior Director of Utilities, Commercial, ANYbotics, Switzerland

13:30–13:50	S4-1	Enhancing Network Resilience through Real-Time Activity Monitoring for High Lightning Density Network Noradlina ABDULLAH, Technical Expert (Lightning Protection), Power Delivery & Innovation, Tenaga Nasional Berhad Research Sdn. Bhd, Malaysia	Abstract	Slides
13:50–14:10	S4-2	Drones as a New Layer of Intelligence in Power Infrastructure Inspection ITOH Akira, Head of Business Development, Global Business Department, Liberaware Co., Ltd., Japan	Abstract	Slides
14:10–14:30	S4-3	KEPCO’s Power Industry Robotics Technologies Joon-Young PARK, Group Leader, KEPCO Research Institute, Korea Electric Power Corporation, South Korea	Abstract	Slides

14:30–15:00 Coffee Break

Chairperson: Chang Geol YOON, Senior Manager, KEPCO Research Institute, Korea Electric Power Corporation, South Korea

15:00–15:20	S4-4	Depth-Resolved Limnological Profiling and Integrated Social-Ecological Assessment for 800 MW Floating Solar in an ESA Rank 1 Tropical Forest Reserve Reservoir Ahmad Nazri SAIDIN, Head of Unit (Ketua Unit), Sustainable Environment and Regulatory Intelligence (SERI), Tenaga Nasional Berhad Labs Sdn. Bhd, Malaysia	Abstract	Slides
15:20–15:40	S4-5	Integrated Risk Assessment for Enhancing Power System Resilience against Large- Scale Natural Disasters YUYAMA Ayumi, Research Scientist, Sustainable System Research Laboratory, Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry, Japan	Abstract	Slides

Chairperson:  YUYAMA Ayumi, Research Scientist, Sustainable System Research Laboratory, Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry, Japan

15:40–16:00

S4-7

A Problem-Driven Open Innovation  Framework for Accelerating New  Value Creation through Internal Assets and External Technologies CHIBA Keita, Engineer, Civil Engineering and Architecture Department, The Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc., Japan

Abstract

Slides

Closing Remarks

16:00–16:05 Gyu-hwa LEE, Senior Manager, KEPCO Research Institute, Korea Electric Power Corporation, South Korea

16:05–16:10 TAKEI Katsuhito, Secretary General, IERE

Technical Tour (Optional)

Visiting KOMIPO’s Seoul Power Plant with Lunch
(For participants who have booked the optional Technical Tour)

09:10–09:20	Gathering the “The Ambassador Seoul – A Pullman Hotel” Lobby
09:20–10:00	Bus Transfer & Site Entrance: 40 minutes
10:00–11:30	Visit KOMIPO’s Seoul Power Plant: 90 minutes
11:30–12:00	Leave for Lunch Place(near the hotel), Bus Transfer: 30 minutes
12:00–13:00	Lunch: 60 minutes
13:00–13:15	Arrive at “The Ambassador Seoul – A Pullman Hotel”: 15 minutes(by walk)

The world’s first large-capacity urban underground power plant
KOMIPO has achieved the feat of building the world’s first large-capacity urban underground power plant―the result of Korea’s technology and know-how for building and operating thermal power plants―on the site of the first thermal power plant in Dangin-dong, Mapo-gu, a representation of the nation’s power industry. It initiated commercial operation and started producing electricity in November 2019.
Seoul P.G. Site Div. has been a solid foundation for the energy industry of Korea, setting milestones for 100 years in the history of Korea’s power generation. Now, Seoul P.G. Site Div. is preparing another 100 years ahead. It has used different fuels according to the transition of the age, applied new technologies in the energy industry, and spread technical skills to power plants throughout the nation. By making an underground thermal power plant, Seoul P.G. Site Div. suggested a new, future-oriented model of power plant in the energy industry, which will mark the beginning of a new history of the power generation industry in Korea.

https://www.komipo.co.kr/eng/content/198/main.do?mnCd=EN010403

Registration Information

The registration fee covers attendance for both days of the workshop, including lunches, coffee breaks, the Welcome Reception (May 19), the Official Dinner (May 20), and the conference package.

Participant Category	In-Person Fee	Online Fee (per account)
IERE Members	USD 700	USD 100
Non-IERE Members	USD 1,100	USD 150
Academic Participants	USD 700	USD 100
Student Participants	USD 550	USD 50

Note for IERE Members: Each in-person participant from an IERE member organization will receive one complimentary online access account.

Additional Options & Accompanying Persons

Fees for accompanying persons are as follows:

Welcome Reception (May 19)	USD 100
Official Dinner (May 20)	USD 130
Technical Tour (May 22)	USD 50

Important Deadlines

Online Registration: May 1, 2026

Visa Invitation Request: April 3, 2026

In-Person Registration: April 20, 2026

Registration Fee Payment: April 20, 2026

How to Register

The number of in-person participants is limited to 100.

Method(A): Online Registration (Recommended)

Please complete the registration via the following Google Forms:

• Register for In-Person Participation (via Google Form)
• Register for Online Participation (via Google Form)

Method(B): Email Registration

If you cannot use the online forms, please download the appropriate file below and submit it to the IERE Central Office via email (office@iere.jp).

• Download: Registration Form (In-Person)
• Download: Registration Form (Online)

For Online Participants: Access information (meeting link, ID, and password) will be sent to your registered email approximately one week before the event.

Visa Support

Deadline: April 3, 2026
If you require an invitation letter for visa purposes, please submit your request by the deadline. If you have already applied, please allow 2–3 weeks for processing. For urgent inquiries, contact: register@iere.jp

Payment

Payment Information

Deadline: April 20, 2026

Note: All Technical Session presenters are required to pay the registration fee.
Inclusions: The registration fee covers full access to both workshop days (including lunches and refreshments), the Welcome Reception (May 19), the Official Dinner (May 20), and the conference kit.

1. Credit Card

Payments can be made through our secure online portal.
Please select the appropriate registration category below.

Payment Items: In-Person Participation

Item Registration Fee (IERE Members) $700.00 USD Registration Fee (Non-IERE Members) $1,100.00 USD Registration Fee (Academic Participants) $700.00 USD Registration Fee (Student Participants) $550.00 USD Welcome Reception on May 19 for Accompanying Person $100.00 USD Official Dinner on May 20 for Accompanying Person $130.00 USD Technical Tour on May 22 $50.00 USD

Participants Name

Add to Cart

Payment Items: Online Participation

Item Online Streaming Registration Fee: Online only IERE Members $100.00 USD Online Streaming Registration Fee: Non-IERE Members $150.00 USD Online Streaming Registration Fee: Academic Participants $100.00 USD Online Streaming Registration Fee: Student Participants $50.00 USD

Participants Name

Add to Cart

2. Bank Transfer

Please ensure that all bank transfer fees (including intermediary bank charges) are covered by the sender.

Cancellation Policy

Venue

Conference Venue

Location of The Ambassador Seoul – A Pullman Hotel

Location: 287, Dongho-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
https://maps.app.goo.gl/q6kN7UAZzU9tHoDi6

Hotel Accommodation

The Ambassador Seoul – A Pullman Hotel, Seoul, South Korea

Location: 287, Dongho-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
https://www.ambatel.com/theambassador/seoul/en/main.do

Contact

Organizers

KEPCO:
https://home.kepco.co.kr/
KEPCO, founded in 1898 (as the Hanseong Electric Company) and formally re-constituted in 1961, has grown into South Korea’s largest electric utility and a key player in the global energy industry. With total assets of KRW 246 trillion and annual revenue of approximately KRW 94 trillion in 2024, KEPCO serves a central role in sustaining the country’s energy security and industrial growth, supplying over 96 percent of the nation’s electricity. The company oversees generation, transmission, and distribution networks, operating an installed capacity exceeding 83 GW through its six power generation subsidiaries – spanning nuclear, coal, LNG, hydro, and renewables.

Driven by its vision to become a “Global Integrated Energy Leader”, KEPCO is accelerating the transition toward low-carbon and digital energy systems. It is actively expanding renewable generation and smart-grid technologies, targeting 49 GW of renewable capacity by 2035 and carbon neutrality by 2050. Beyond domestic operations, KEPCO engages in more than 40 overseas projects across 28 countries, including power generation, grid construction, and engineering services.

Through innovation, global collaboration, and sustainable growth strategies, KEPCO continues to lead the evolution of the energy industry – balancing reliability, environmental responsibility, and technological advancement to deliver value for future generations.

IERE:
https://www.iere.jp
IERE is an organization for exchanging electricity and energy related cutting-edge technologies and R&D information among its members from the electricity and energy supply industry, equipment provider businesses, academic research, government, etc. This unique platform is of great help for executives, senior managers, engineers, and researchers who are responsible for R&D and solutions. It is a worldwide, non-profit organization, established as “International Electric Research Exchange” in 1968.