[Edaily Reporter Kim Hyung-wook] #Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) has established a low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communication network to better maintain communication between its central headquarters and field sites during disasters.
KEPCO announced on the 15th that it recently installed a pilot 550-km low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communication service at its headquarters in Naju, South Jeolla Province, as well as at key locations in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province.
KEPCO, which manages power facilities nationwide, has previously relied on high-orbit (38,500 km) satellite phones to prepare for situations where existing communication networks are cut off due to disasters such as wildfires or torrential rains. However, KEPCO explained that this approach was accompanied by inconveniences such as data transmission delays due to long-distance signal transmission and communication disruptions during severe weather.
KEPCO expects that this measure will ensure a more stable command and reporting system between headquarters, regional offices, and field staff even in emergencies. This marks the first time a public enterprise has established an LEO service.
KEPCO is also moving forward with plans to introduce specially designed vehicle-mounted and portable satellite communication equipment in mountainous areas of Gangwon and North Gyeongsang provinces. The goal is to deploy this equipment immediately to disaster sites where communications have been cut off, enabling real-time situation sharing and the coordination of power facility restoration efforts. Similarly, satellite communication technology will be applied to sites in mountainous, island, and offshore areas where mobile phone coverage is unavailable.
KEPCO is currently working to enhance its on-site safety management system for power facilities, including participation in the Ministry of Science and ICT’s flagship digital twin project for AI-based safety management, which is underway this year.
KEPCO President Kim Dong-chul stated, "We will continue to strengthen the stability of power facility operations through services that integrate advanced information and communications technology (ICT), such as AI and digital twins."
