Jeju scales hydrogen as energy storage

In connection with an electrolyser system being built by HyAxiom Inc. for a hydrogen production project on Jeju Island, KraftPowercon has been selected to supply a 5 MW-class rectifier system delivering controlled DC power from the medium-voltage grid interface to the electrolysis process. The delivery is built around KraftPowercon’s H2Kraft concept, a containerised, plug-and-play power conversion solution designed to simplify installation and support efficient commissioning.

Why the power system matters more as hydrogen plants scale

Electrolysers are DC machines in an AC world. The rectifier becomes the bridge, converting incoming AC into stable, controllable DC current for the electrolyser stacks. As projects scale to multi-MW levels and multiple electrolyser units operate in parallel, the demands on current quality increase. Stable DC delivery supports predictable stack operation, while grid-friendly behaviour reduces the risk of disturbance to surrounding grid infrastructure.

Jeju adds another layer. With high renewable penetration, grid characteristics can vary, making harmonic performance and controllability central to stable hydrogen production. From HyAxiom’s perspective, system-level reliability was a primary consideration.

“For this project, our objective was to secure a cost-effective, safe, and reliable rectifier system that meets both our internal requirements and the customer’s expectations, including local codes and standards. Reliable power infrastructure is fundamental – not only for renewable integration, but also to ensure that the electrolyser system can load-follow and operate consistently under varying conditions,” said Censy Thomas, PSCS IPD Lead and Principal Electrical Engineer at HyAxiom.

The selected approach: grid-friendly performance with practical execution

For the Jeju project, KraftPowercon will supply a rectifier system for HyAxiom’s electrolyser system based on an active front end architecture within its I-Kraft platform, developed to reduce harmonic current contribution and support a cleaner grid footprint. A target of total harmonic distortion in current below 3 percent aligns with expectations that typically apply as plant power levels increase.

Just as important is on-site execution. H2Kraft is designed as a standardised container concept supporting a plug-and-play approach. By reducing installation complexity and enabling a straightforward electrical layout, the solution is intended to help project teams move efficiently from delivery to commissioning, with fewer site interfaces to manage.

“At this scale, we assess technical compliance, testing capability, schedule, cost and delivery,” Thomas added. “KraftPowercon was able to meet these requirements and provide a cost-effective and reliable solution.”

Local approvals handled up front

In Korea, permitting and inspection requirements can become schedule-critical if not addressed early. KraftPowercon supported technical clarification, documentation alignment, and KESCO-related inspection readiness as part of its delivery approach, aiming to reduce approval uncertainty and protect commissioning timelines.

“On-site support was an important factor to ensure smooth implementation and timely completion for our customer,” continued Thomas. “As a power core provider for hydrogen production plants, KraftPowercon supports the project by enabling stable stack operation while maintaining grid-friendly operating conditions,” commented Siyul Kim, Senior Asia Application Manager, High Current.

In December 2025, HyAxiom confirmed KraftPowercon as the awarded rectifier provider for its 5 MW electrolyser system for the Jeju hydrogen plant.

Korea’s hydrogen projects are scaling quickly, which places greater attention on what happens between the grid and the stacks,” says Johan Burgren, Sales Director HV & H2 at KraftPowercon. “With H2Kraft, we provide a containerised rectifier system designed to simplify site execution while supporting stable DC power and grid-friendly performance.

A step forward for Korea’s next hydrogen projects

As Korea moves from demonstrations towards repeatable industrial hydrogen assets, the electrical backbone of electrolysis is gaining attention. Solutions must combine grid performance with stack stability while reducing execution risk on site. “Long-term reliability of all subsystems is essential to meet overall cost, performance and availability targets,” Thomas emphasised.

With Jeju Island as a proving ground, the project signals a broader shift in the market. As hydrogen projects scale, the role of robust power conversion becomes increasingly central – ensuring predictable operation, compliance with local requirements, and support for industrial scale hydrogen production.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalhydrogenreview.com/hydrogen/25022026/jeju-scales-hydrogen-as-energy-storage/