Sogang University team to develop AI tech for national power grid

A research team at Sogang University, led by Professor Kim Hong-seok of the Department of Electronic Engineering, is embarking on a major national research and development project to revolutionize the operation of South Korea's power grid using artificial intelligence. The initiative, officially launched at a workshop in Osong, Chungbuk, from July 2-3, 2026, will span five years and aims to develop a next-generation AI-Energy Management System (AI-EMS).

This significant national project, funded with 29.5 billion won from the government, will run from 2026 to 2030. Key research leaders include Choi Young-min from the Korea Power Exchange (KPX) and Min Sang-won from the Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI). Sogang University will receive 1.25 billion won in research funding and collaborate with major domestic universities and companies to develop the AI-EMS.

The AI-EMS is designed to move beyond traditional rule-based operations. It will leverage artificial intelligence to enable real-time responses to the rapidly increasing integration of renewable energy sources and fluctuating power demands. This technology is considered crucial for maintaining the stability and efficiency of the national power grid, which underpins the country's industry and daily life.

Professor Kim Hong-seok's team will specifically focus on developing AI-based AC Optimal Power Flow (AI AC-OPF) and AI-based Unit Commitment (AI UC) technologies. AI AC-OPF calculates the most economical and safe grid operating state by simultaneously considering generator output and transmission status. AI UC determines the operational schedule for hundreds of power plants. These are currently the most computationally intensive core engines within the national power grid EMS, and their importance grows with the expansion of renewables and grid complexity.

Sogang University plans to apply its Physics-informed AI technology, combining AI with physical models, to significantly improve calculation speed while maintaining the high reliability of existing optimization algorithms. This project marks a significant step for Sogang University, particularly as its electronic engineering department is tasked with developing core AI technologies for national power grid operations, showcasing the university's growing expertise in AI, optimization, and physics-informed AI.