By Emmanuel T. Erediano
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
KOREA Electric Power Corporation, a South Korean electric utility provider, is offering renewable energy solutions on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.
In a statement to Variety on Wednesday, KEPCO, which has 38 energy projects in 19 countries, said it is ready to support the CNMI government’s efforts to advance renewable energy as the need for more sustainable and reliable power continues to grow in the Commonwealth amid public concern over the recent increase in the fuel adjustment charge.
In an interview Wednesday, KEPCO’s local agent on Saipan, Sunmoon Ahn, chief executive officer of Leeahn Investments LLC, said KEPCO is looking at developing photovoltaic (solar) power infrastructure across the CNMI. He said the company sees the Commonwealth as a strategic location for renewable energy development.
KEPCO is among the companies that have expressed continued interest in participating in the Commonwealth Utilities Corp.’s plan to transition the CNMI’s power generation to renewable energy. Ahn said KEPCO, together with its partners, is prepared to participate should the CNMI government consider reopening or rebidding portions of the renewable energy procurement process.
Extensive experience
Operating South Korea’s national power grid, KEPCO said in a statement that it has “extensive experience in large-scale power generation, transmission, distribution, and renewable energy integration.”
Headquartered in Naju-si, Jeollanam-do, South Korea, the company has approximately 23,400 employees and manages assets totaling nearly 239 trillion won. It is publicly listed on both the Korea Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange.
The South Korean government owns 18% of KEPCO. Other shareholders include the Korea Development Bank (33%), foreign investors (15%), and other shareholders (34%).
Over the decades, KEPCO said it has developed a strong international presence, participating in energy infrastructure projects in more than 20 countries worldwide. Its overseas portfolio includes thermal, nuclear, renewable energy, transmission, distribution, smart grid, and green hydrogen projects.
The company said its experience in island-grid operations and hybrid diesel-renewable systems is especially relevant to island communities such as the CNMI, where resilience, fuel dependency, and long-term grid stability remain key concerns.
KEPCO added that its international achievements include securing and completing major power plant projects in the Middle East and Asia, transmission consulting work in several countries, and renewable energy initiatives such as solar generation projects in Guam and smart city developments abroad.
Ahn said industry observers believe participation by experienced companies like KEPCO could provide long-term benefits for the CNMI by helping strengthen grid reliability, diversify energy sources, reduce dependence on imported diesel fuel, and support sustainability goals.
He added that stakeholders involved in renewable energy discussions in the CNMI said KEPCO’s interest demonstrates growing international confidence in the Commonwealth’s renewable energy potential.
Ahn reiterated that KEPCO and its partners remain interested in contributing to the CNMI’s energy future should an opportunity arise.
“Saipan stands at an important turning point in its energy transition,” Ahn said. “We believe that opening opportunities for experienced international energy companies to participate in a fair and competitive process can greatly benefit the entire community.”
He added that maintaining an open and competitive procurement environment would encourage innovation, attract global investment, and help modernize the CNMI’s power infrastructure in a way that balances reliability, affordability, and sustainability.
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
