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[PV·ESS Leaders Club 21] OCI Power CEO Seong-yeop Kim: “Building a Global Integrated Energy Platform Company Based on Korean Inverter Technology”
[Industry News | Reporter Lee Geon-oh] As RE100 and carbon neutrality become essential conditions for the survival of industries worldwide, inverters are emerging as strategic assets directly linked to energy security, serving as the “brain” of power plant operations.At the center of this transformation, OCI Power is targeting the global market as a Korean inverter company with fully vertically integrated capabilities spanning R&D, manufacturing, and maintenance, while expanding its business into areas such as BESS, PCS, and BIPV. Seong-yeop Kim, CEO of OCI Power, said,“Solar power is becoming a mainstream energy source for industry rather than simply a complementary source.The selection and management of inverters, which serve as the brain of a solar power plant,can determine the success or failure of a project.” [Photo: Industry News]Seong-yeop Kim, who leads OCI Power, still describes himself as a “follower.” Constantly learning and asking questions, he seeks insights for management through history and philosophy, embodying the qualities of both a learning-oriented leader and a reflective executive.Kim said, “Solar power is becoming a mainstream energy source for industry rather than simply a complementary source. The selection and management of inverters, which serve as the brain of a solar power plant, can determine the success or failure of a project.”He continued, “Based on our high-efficiency central inverter technology, we are focusing on building an energy platform that integrates advanced operational solutions such as BESS, AI-based predictive maintenance, and remote monitoring.”As part of its annual CEO interview series with leaders in the solar and ESS industries, Industry News highlights the voices of industry leaders and shares their strategies and visions for the development of the sector. This month’s featured executive is Seong-yeop Kim, CEO of OCI Power.What is the biggest issue facing the solar industry this year?I believe the biggest issues facing the solar industry this year are integrated energy transition, the full-scale realization of carbon neutrality, and sovereign inverters.First, in both domestic and international markets, the integration of BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems) to overcome the intermittency of solar power and stabilize the grid, together with smart inverter technology and AI-based power plant operation solutions, is rapidly becoming an industry standard. Solar power plants are evolving beyond simple electricity generation facilities into “smart energy platforms” in which inverters, BESS, and AI-based predictive systems are organically integrated.Second, the global adoption of mandatory ESG disclosure requirements and the implementation of RE100 have become conditions for survival not only for large corporations but also for entire industries and their supply chains. Solar power is no longer simply a “complementary source”; it is becoming a mainstream energy source for industry, driving investment and market expansion across data centers, EVs, large manufacturers, and both the private and public sectors.Third, although high-efficiency, high-reliability inverters do not account for the largest share of industry revenue, their selection and management as the “brain” of a power plant can determine the success or failure of a project. In particular, awareness has strengthened more than ever that securing data generated from power plant operations and ensuring inverter sovereignty are directly connected to energy security.What have you emphasized most since taking office as CEO of OCI Power?We are focusing our capabilities on becoming an innovative energy transition solutions company centered on creating customer value. First, based on our high-efficiency central inverter technology, we are focusing on building an energy platform that integrates advanced operational solutions such as BESS, AI-based predictive maintenance, and remote monitoring. We are also pursuing a transformation beyond simple manufacturing into a total solutions company covering EPC, construction, operations, and maintenance (O&M).We prioritize listening to customers’ voices in the field and place practical customer satisfaction above all else, including predictive fault diagnosis, uninterrupted services, and reductions in total cost of ownership (TCO). We are also working to develop smart factory capabilities, expand our nationwide A/S network, strengthen customized field response capabilities, and innovate our internal communication culture.What is the background and outlook for diversifying into ESS PCS, BIPV, and other renewable energy businesses?The background to our business diversification lies in fundamental changes in the energy market and evolving customer needs. In response to multidimensional demands—including stable 24-hour power supply, RE100 achievement, carbon neutrality, and the expansion of distributed and urban generation—the integration of solar power and BESS (PCS for ESS) is emerging as a core area of new energy business. In urban areas and commercial buildings, demand for zero-energy buildings and RE100 is increasing, driving the expansion of high-efficiency BIPV/BAPV solutions.Going forward, we plan to expand our market and business scope into integrated energy services encompassing AI-based predictive operations, VPPs, and data-driven O&M. By combining renewable energy technologies and engineering capabilities with platform expertise, we will maximize tangible customer value.What are OCI Power’s supply chain strategy and competitive strengths?Our core strategy is to proactively address supply chain risks while securing our own competitive strengths. We respond actively to global supply chain risks, including those associated with China, through the localization of key raw and auxiliary materials, diversified sourcing and joint procurement, and smart factory-based production systems. Through our Gunsan plant and R&D center in Jeonbuk Province, we can handle the entire process—from design and production to quality control and testing—in one place, enabling customized and rapid production.OCI Power is the only inverter specialist in Korea with vertically integrated capabilities spanning R&D, manufacturing, and maintenance. We meet standards and certification requirements in the United States, Europe, and Southeast Asia, while strengthening local sales and production partnerships. In addition, we differentiate ourselves through quality, service, and reliability by leveraging advanced operational technologies such as big data and AI, together with a global A/S network.What are OCI Power’s strategies in response to changes in the electricity market and energy environment, including RE100, distributed energy, and PPA?We view the diversification of RE100, distributed generation, and PPAs in the electricity market as signals of a major transformation in the industry. From 2025, the ability to implement RE100 will become a basic capability not only for global companies participating in RE100 but also for their supply chains.The paradigm is shifting from centralized generation toward distributed “local production and local consumption,” integration with ESS and VPPs, and real-time AI-based optimization. The expansion of new electricity demand from data centers, EVs, and AI, peak demand management, and the growth of distributed regional markets all represent new opportunities for energy solutions.OCI Power will go beyond simply supplying equipment and lead future market trends through high-efficiency inverters supporting RE100; large-scale and distributed customized platforms; integrated ESS/PCS+BESS and PPA-linked business models; and expanded B2B and data center-focused EPC/O&M. We aim to grow into an energy innovation leader and platform solutions company.What policy measures would you propose to revitalize Korea’s solar industry?We need to move beyond a market focused solely on “price” and establish a genuine competitiveness framework that also considers national and industrial security, quality, and data sovereignty.First, security certification, data localization, and real-time security monitoring systems should be gradually made mandatory for key equipment such as inverters.Second, preferential policies should be introduced for public and industrial sites that take into account localization/supply chain independence, emergency response capabilities, and A/S infrastructure.Third, bidding and procurement standards should be established around “non-price competitiveness,” including efficiency, lifespan, service, and data management.Fourth, global standards, such as U.S. and EU security certifications, should be adopted promptly, while investment and support for domestic R&D and manufacturing capabilities should be expanded.I believe only through such a multilayered policy package can energy sovereignty, the industrial ecosystem, and national infrastructure continue to grow together sustainably.What are your business plans for 2025 and your long-term goals?In 2025, we plan to focus on establishing next-generation integrated energy platforms incorporating BESS, PCS for ESS, and BIPV based on our existing strengths in solar central inverters, thereby becoming a specialized energy solutions company. We aim to become a total energy partner by expanding global certifications and exports, advancing digital operations based on AI and big data, taking the lead in future technologies such as grid-forming and VPPs, and expanding high-value-added services.In the mid to long term, we aim to grow into a full-turnkey energy integration company covering “design-EPC-operations-O&M-AI” and establish ourselves as a trusted global brand delivering RE100, carbon neutrality, and customer value. OCI Power is advancing toward becoming an integrated energy platform company that combines next-generation solutions such as BESS, PCS for ESS, and BIPV with its inverter technology, covering everything from design and construction to operations.Seong-yeop Kim, CEO of OCI Power.What story, person, or content has inspired you most in managing the company?I have learned many things from mentors and leaders whom I have respected throughout my career. Wherever I go, there are always people and things I can learn from, so I have always tried to seek them out and learn.For example, when I worked at IBM, my supervisor constantly asked me what my “opinion” was. That experience had a significant influence on my management philosophy. The history and stories of the figures depicted in books such as Romance of the Three Kingdoms, which I have read 13 times, and Taikō, have also had a significant influence on the way I think.What have you newly learned about human relationships through your business experience?I have come to deeply understand through business that “someone who has never been a follower cannot become a leader.” I still maintain the attitude of a follower and continue to learn. I also place great importance on the fact that trust must always be built in both directions. I believe that building relationships requires proactively reaching out and starting with even small conversations.What do you usually do when you need a mental break?When I need to refresh my mind, I generally choose one of two things. One is exercising and working up a sweat, and the other is sitting by flowing water in places such as Gapyeong and simply watching the water, which is known in Korea as “water-gazing.” Exercise is good for relieving stress, while watching the water helps clear my mind and sometimes leads to unexpected new ideas.What hobbies have you consistently enjoyed, and what do you find appealing about them?I enjoy many things, although I am not sure whether I would call all of them hobbies. I enjoy strength training at the gym, watching operas and musicals, wine, and reading books on history and culture. However, the habit I have maintained most consistently is keeping a diary, which I have done for 30 years. Perhaps that is my biggest hobby.What personal goal would you like to achieve in 2025?Last year, I set goals of taking a Scottish single-malt whisky tour and publishing another paper in an academic journal, but I had to postpone them after joining OCI Power. For now, I am focusing on achieving the company’s business goals rather than on personal goals. Above all, my most important goal this year is to create an organizational culture where employees can work happily with a sense of stability and pride.What recent book, film, or other cultural content has impressed you?I was deeply impressed by the musical Wicked. It contains various messages that go beyond simple entertainment and stimulate philosophical reflection. Myeongsim Bogam, which I have kept by my side for 30 years, is also an important book for me. It serves as a guide that reminds me to maintain my original mindset and stay grounded.What message would you like to share with your employees?I would like to share a message that goes beyond “It’s not over until it’s over”: “Even when it’s over, it’s not truly over. Opportunities will come again.”Our company should operate with the mindset that every employee is a salesperson, and above all, persistence and perseverance are essential. As a leader, I will present the vision and strategy while giving employees opportunities to make up for what they may lack. Let’s achieve results based on trust and communication.Source : 인더스트리뉴스 (IndustryNews)
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