INDUSTRY & EVENT UPDATES

On March 6, Korea Western Power (KOWEPO) andDoosan Enerbility signed a Memorandum of Understanding at Doosan Energy Tower in Bundang, Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, to jointly develop AI-based technologies for combined cycle power plants using domestically manufactured gas turbines.

The agreement aims to advance digital twin technology beyond current virtual simulations of combined cycle equipment. The goal is to upgrade these models to utilize real operational data for predicting equipment anomalies and diagnosing root causes. In other words, the two companies aim to develop intelligent virtual models capable of autonomous analysis and decision-making.

The technologies will be applied to the Gimpo Combined Heat & Power (CHP) Plant, which is equipped with domestic gas turbines. The project will create high-fidelity virtual models that simulate plant startup and shutdown, heat supply, and modifications in control logic.
KOWEPO will provide plant data, operational experience, and a demonstration platform, while Doosan Energy will integrate high-performance predictive models with AI technologies throughout the demonstration process, based on design and physical information.

Looking ahead, both companies plan to introduce a series of new technologies at the Gimpo CHP Plant, including AI-driven power plant control, automated startup and shutdown systems, generative AI, intelligent diagnostic devices, autonomous inspection robots, video-based safety monitoring, and worker location and health tracking systems.

Furthermore, the AI and digital twin technologies validated at Gimpo will be applied to the Yeosu Combined Cycle Power Plant. To support international market expansion, they will also work on standardization and packaged development of the K-class gas turbines and associated digital twin technologies.

“Digital twins that combine operational data with design technology will significantly enhance the competitiveness of Korea’s combined cycle power industry,” said Kyung-il Yom, Executive Vice President of Technology & Safety at KOWEPO. “We will actively pursue commercialization of AI-based digital twins with the goal of entering overseas markets.”