The Korea Power Exchange (KPX) has launched tenders for 1.2 GW/7.1 GWh of six-hour energy storage under its 2026 Energy Storage System (ESS) Central Contract Market (South Korean government press release, 22/09/2026).
The procurement comprises 1.1 GW/6.6 GWh on the mainland and 80 MW/480 MWh on Jeju Island, with selected projects due by February 2029. Mainland projects receive 15-year contracts and must complete at least 383 annual cycles. Jeju developers can select 15-year contracts or 25-year contracts for systems capable of two daily cycles, reflecting the island’s high wind penetration and nighttime storage needs.
Registration runs from 28 September to 2 October 2026, with proposals accepted from 6 October and due by 11 November and awards scheduled later in November 2026.
The tender targets new standalone ESS facilities connected to eligible substations, while subsidised projects or facilities participating in other support schemes are excluded. Bids are assessed equally on price and non-price criteria, including fire safety, grid-forming capability, supply-chain resilience, domestic economic contribution, maintenance and recycling.
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