Photo 1. Group Photo of the Delegates from ASEAN Member States and KESCO 

The ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE), in collaboration with the Korea Electrical Safety Corporation (KESCO), successfully conducted a three-day training programme on capacity building in electrical safety management for New and Renewable Energy (NRE) power generation facilities in the ASEAN region. Held from 8-10 July 2024 in Wanju, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea, the event aimed to enhance the knowledge and skills of participants from various ASEAN Member States (AMS) by focusing on South Korea’s best practices in electrical safety management for NRE facilities. The training programme was attended by representatives from seven ASEAN countries, including Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, and Thailand. Additionally, representatives from several public power utilities, such as Sarawak Energy (Malaysia), Électricité du Cambodge or EDC (Cambodia), and Électricité du Laos or EDL (Lao PDR), also participated.  

Photo 2. Opening and Welcoming Speech by Mr. Park Jihyun, President of KESCO 

The training programme started with the opening ceremony and welcoming speech by Park Jihyun, President of KESCO. During the opening speech, Park Jihyun emphasised the importance of electrical safety and the importance of this activity laying the foundation for strengthening energy safety management cooperation and collaboration with the ASEAN countries. The session was then continued with the introduction of KESCO and the Training Programme, which was presented by Oh Dongmin, Head of the International Cooperation and Investigation Team of KESCO.  

Photo 3. Excursion to KESCO’s Remote Control for Energy Storage Facilities 

The afternoon session featured an excursion to KESCO’s remote control facilities for energy storage. This included a presentation on Korea’s ESS Management System, detailing how they monitor and control energy storage facilities to prevent and reduce incidents of fires and other potential losses. 

Photo 4. Excursion to Electrical Safety Human Resource Development Institute and the Electrical Disaster Research Centre 

On the second day, the participants visited the Electrical Safety Human Resource Development Institute (ESHRDI). The morning session focused on introducing electrical safety policies, highlighting regulatory frameworks and best practices. After lunch, the participants toured the Electrical Disaster Research Centre, where the participants gained knowledge on how KESCO uses advanced technology to analyse the causes of electrical product disasters. The visit to ESHRDI also showcased KESCO’s efforts and facilities dedicated to training and improving workers’ skills, which are also available to government officials and university students interested in pursuing careers in electrical safety. 

Photo 5. Excursion to the Renewable Energy Theme Park in Buan, South Korea 

Later in the afternoon, the group moved to the Renewable Energy Theme Park in Buan, South Korea. Here, the participants explored various renewable energy technologies and learned how South Korea promotes and engages the younger generation in the importance of renewable energy for the future. 

Photo 6. Excursion on ESS Research Centre 

On the final day, participants visited Doosan Fuel Cell in Iksan, South Korea for an in-depth look at the latest fuel cell technologies. The group then proceeded to the ESS Research Centre for an excursion focused on energy storage solutions and safety measures. The ESS Research Centre demonstrated South Korea’s commitment to expanding their Electrical Safety Management System, especially in the NRE sector. They aim to develop more robust Energy Storage System (ESS) management standards and testing protocols and to expand global joint R&D on ESS facilities and testing. 

Overall, this training programme marked a significant step towards enhancing the capacity of ASEAN countries in managing electrical safety not only in NRE power generation but also in the overall electrical safety management system. By sharing knowledge and best practices, this programme has laid a strong foundation for improved safety management in the renewable energy sector across the ASEAN region, contributing to the broader goal of achieving sustainable and secure energy systems.  

To find more information and publication of the training programme, please visit this website and article here.