GS E&R commercializes new wind power intermittency prediction solution

GS E&R's wind turbines in Yeongyang County, North Gyeongsang Province / Courtesy of GS E&S

GS E&R has commercialized a new solution for predicting wind power intermittency.

The breakthrough, according to the renewable energy company, can reduce the risk of intermittency by accurately predicting wind turbine outputs across various locations, allowing operators to manage utility facilities more efficiently.

The energy arm of GS Group believes the solution will allow turbine operators across the country to see lower rates of error in forecasting their power generation. The digital technology, according to the company, will leverage the company to bolster its virtual power plant (VPP) business, which is its future growth engine.

A predictive solution for renewable energy, especially wind power, is crucial, according to the company. Wind intensity varies depending on turbine altitude and location, making accurate forecasting essential. Incorrect predictions can lead to unnecessary costs for turbine operators by causing inefficient scheduling of operation hours and days.

With the introduction of the Korean Renewable Energy Bidding System next year, accurate forecasting of renewable power generation is expected to become more critical than ever.

However, this has remained a challenge. Unlike nuclear energy or liquefied natural gas — both of which will also be included in the bidding categories — renewable energy sources are inherently intermittent, making precise forecasting more difficult to achieve.

GS E&R successfully reduced its forecast error rate to below 10 percent by implementing an AI-based solution. This system utilizes a weather research and forecasting model that incorporates data on geographical features, altitudes, and terrain from the surrounding areas of its 126-megawatt-capacity wind farms in Yeongyang and Yeongdeok counties, North Gyeongsang Province.

Additionally, the company has been transferring power from the turbines to energy storage systems, which has further enhanced the development of its overall system.

The company noted that under the country's incentive program for accurate renewable generation forecasting, wind power operators can increase their earnings by improving the accuracy of their power generation forecasts.

"With renewable energy expected to account for 30 percent of the country's grid by 2036, our latest solution will provide extra security to the country's renewable energy operators on a national scale," a company official said.

The predictive solution marks GS E&R's first commercialization achievement since GS Group Chairman Huh Tae-soo began prioritizing digital service industries.

This represents the company's entry into the VPP sector. The technology enables the integration of various small-scale power generators into a cohesive network, allowing them to operate collectively as a large power plant for improved efficiency.

The company has been strengthening its VPP initiatives by investing in energy startups such as the AI-based energy platform Ndustrial and the energy IT firm Haezoom. Additionally, it has acquired Chargev, the country's largest electric vehicle charging service provider.