Why is South Korea launching a 540mw battery energy storage tender?

South Korea is ramping up its battery energy storage deployment with a new 540MW tender to stabilize the grid and support renewable energy growth. Learn how this move strengthens both domestic resilience and global market leadership.

How much does a Bess system cost?

As of most recent estimates, the cost of a BESS by MW is between $200,000 and $450,000, varying by location, system size, and market conditions. This translates to around $200 - $450 per kWh, though in some markets, prices have dropped as low as $150 per kWh. Key Factors Influencing BESS Prices

Why should South Korea deploy long-duration storage?

Deploying long-duration storage will allow Korea to capture surplus renewable energy during these off-peak periods and shift it to peak demand hours, reducing curtailment and maximizing asset utilization. This tender fits within South Korea’s broader decarbonization roadmap.

What does the 2025 Bess tender mean for Korea?

The 2025 tender builds on the government’s initial foray into centralized BESS contracts, launched in 2023 with a 65MW, 4-hour project on Jeju Island. That project represented a turning point, establishing a new model for how low-carbon resources can be procured and integrated into Korea’s power system.

Does South Korea have a decarbonization roadmap?

This tender fits within South Korea’s broader decarbonization roadmap. The country’s 11th Basic Plan for Electricity Supply and Demand, confirmed earlier this year, lays out a vision to expand renewable energy capacity from 30GW in 2023 to nearly 122GW by 2038. Solar is expected to account for over 77GW, while wind installations will approach 41GW.