Shown above is the energy storage system (ESS) developed by Hanwha Defense. The company plans to develop ESS for offshore vessels. Photo courtesy of Hanwha Defense

Korean defense company strives to build stable, safe energy system

Military spinoff technologies have been used to enrich people’s daily life as amply demonstrated by such examples as the global positioning system, the internet, and microwave ovens.

South Korea’s Hanwha Defense tries to add one more to the list based on its expertise in lithium-ion batteries for the country’s next-generation Navy submarines.

The Seoul-based company announced on June 24 that it had inked an agreement with the Korea Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning to develop an energy storage system (ESS) aboard vessels.

Hanwha Defense has already formed a consortium to develop the products with the Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering, the Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute, and the Research Institute of Medium & Small Shipbuilding.

Private corporations, including Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, KTE, Electrine, and Haemin Heavy Industries, also took part in the consortium.

ESS is the device designed to convert electrical energy from power systems into a form, which can be stored for converting back to electrical energy when necessary.

Hanwha expected that its ESS will enable operators of offshore vessels to manage power supply by creating a more resilient energy infrastructure.

The company also noted that it will put the safety of the energy system first to deal with any fire risks.

“As far as the ESS packaging technology is concerned, we are next to none. Based on that, we will join hands with other business bellwethers to develop safe and competitive ESS,” Hanwha Defense CEO Son Jae-il said.

“Such efforts will help the country enhance its competitiveness thanks to the development and spread of environmentally-friendly ships.”

The global market for ESS used for vessels is growing fast in line with the strengthened regulations over green gas emissions at sea.

The Korean government also plans to introduce more than 500 eco-friendly vessels over the next 10 years.
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