SK Eternix Hits 200MW Cumulative Fuel Cell Capacity

SK eternix has reached a cumulative operating capacity of 200 megawatts (MW) in its fuel cell business. The milestone was achieved on September 14 with the start of commercial operations at the Paju Eco Green power plant in Gyeonggi Province. This new facility adds 31MW to the company's existing infrastructure, solidifying its position as a major player in distributed energy generation in South Korea.

The Paju Eco Green project represents a total investment of approximately 224 billion won. Located in Nakha-ri, Tanhyeon-myeon, the plant utilizes solid oxide fuel cell technology. It is equipped with 94 Bloom Energy fuel cells, each rated at 330 kilowatts. This configuration allows the facility to generate roughly 258 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually, a volume sufficient to power about 81,000 households for one year.

New Plant Uses Solid Oxide Technology

The decision to employ solid oxide fuel cell technology was driven by the need for stable power output near high-demand areas. Unlike renewable sources that fluctuate with weather conditions, these fuel cells provide consistent baseload power. The company selected this technology to support large-scale demand centers, including artificial intelligence data centers and industrial complexes, where reliability is critical for continuous operations.

By installing these units close to the point of consumption, SK eternix reduces transmission losses and grid instability. The Paju facility serves as a model for this distributed approach. The company highlighted that this method allows for precise energy management tailored to specific industrial needs, rather than relying solely on centralized power grids.

Pipeline Expands Capacity To 228MW

SK eternix is not stopping at the 200MW mark. The company has secured two additional power plant projects through bids in the General Hydrogen Power Generation Market. These upcoming facilities will have a combined capacity of 28MW. Once construction is complete and operations begin, SK eternix’s total operating capacity will rise to 228MW.

These new projects are part of a broader strategy to scale up the fuel cell portfolio. The company aims to leverage its current operational base to win further contracts in the hydrogen and fuel cell sectors. The expansion reflects a confident outlook on the growth of distributed power markets in the region.

Targeting Data Center Power Needs

The primary commercial driver for this expansion is the surging power demand from the technology sector. SK eternix explicitly identifies AI data centers as a key target market for its distributed power solutions. These facilities require massive, uninterrupted electricity supplies that traditional grid connections may struggle to provide efficiently.

Hae-zoong Kim, the chief executive officer, stated that the company will strengthen its competitiveness in the distributed energy business. He emphasized identifying new applications and business models for fuel cells. This strategic shift aligns the company's operations with evolving market demands, focusing on high-value industrial clients rather than general residential supply.