The Korea Power Exchange (KPX) has launched a competitive bidding process for its 2026 ESS central contract market.
According to the machine-translated documents, the plan is to evaluate and select bids to build energy storage systems with a capacity of 1,100 MW on the Korean mainland and 80 MW on Jeju Island by February 2029, with a six-hour duration. The two locations have separate processes.
The 1.1 GW mainland grid-targeted procurement requires grid-forming capability, at least 383 annual cycles, and 15-year performance guarantees.
In the award decision evaluation, price accounts for half of the score. The other half is split across a range of points, and there is a Korean-content angle, though this does not amount to mandated domestic supply.
Instead, KPX asks bidders to identify the manufacturer and production location/origin for cells, modules, racks, cathode material, anode material, separators, electrolyte, PCS and BMS/EMS. The tender allows both lithium-ion and non-lithium systems, but not a mix of storage technologies within one project.
Evaluators then consider factors such as supply capability and resilience, local economic contribution, employment, domestic maintenance and servicing, shareholder structure, the major shareholder’s power-sector experience, and plans for battery recycling.
Previously, Korean reporting noted that local giants SK On, Samsung SDI, and LG Energy Solution supplied projects selected in February’s second tender.
Fire safety also gets a very significant weighting, with a full 25 points concerning fire and equipment safety. Of those, 11 points relate to the inherent fire safety of the battery system, while other criteria cover prevention and response measures. Evidence includes battery chemistry, UL 9540A-related testing, rack protection, monitoring and diagnostic systems, HVAC, emergency shutdown, backup power and maintenance history.
While the same broad framework from three previous central contract markets will remain, the evaluation criteria will include more eligible substations in more locations. However, winners will still need to obtain the required approvals, and failure to secure a generation business permit following grid review may result in forfeiture of the award.
Bidder registration runs from September 28 to October 2. Proposals are accepted from October 6 to November 4, followed by the data sheets, business plans and evidence through November 11, with final awards also scheduled for November 2026.
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