SK Telecom and Korea University have launched a large-scale solar power operation project utilizing the rooftops of buildings on the Seoul campus. The project is structured to directly use electricity generated on campus for school operations, focusing on expanding the foundation for energy self-sufficiency within the university.

On the 12th, both parties held a groundbreaking ceremony at Korea University's Seoul campus and unveiled plans to construct solar infrastructure. The project covers 20 buildings on campus, including the Business Administration Building and the Lyceum. The total installation capacity is approximately 1.8 MW.

This project involves the installation of power generation facilities along with the introduction of an operation management system. SK Telecom plans to establish a control and monitoring system capable of checking power generation, facility status, and energy usage in real time. The generated electricity will be directly utilized for campus operations.

Korea University expects that the operation of this facility will result in an annual reduction of approximately 1,069 tons of carbon dioxide emissions and an average reduction of 350 million won in electricity costs. According to the company, this is equivalent to the amount of carbon absorbed by more than 210,000 pine trees in one year.

The focus of the project is on converting idle spaces within the campus into energy production areas. Since the structure utilizes electricity generated on building rooftops for school operations, operational efficiency is emphasized over the simple installation of facilities.

In the telecommunications industry, there is a recent trend of AI and ICT-based energy management businesses expanding into the business-to-business (B2B) sector. SK Telecom is also expanding its energy efficiency business targeting public institutions, universities, and corporations, and is broadening the application of its operational model that combines power generation facilities with control systems.