- Collaboration aims to discover how AI technology can transform and innovate South Korea’s district heating network
- Memorandum of Understanding will set up an expert working group and joint workshops to maximize collaboration and drive results
- Focused analysis and testbeds will fast-track ABB’s scalable solutions for industrial AI for manufacturing systems
ABB and Korea District Heating Corporation (KDHC), South Korea’s largest district heating provider, have announced a collaboration to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) throughout the nation’s heating sector. Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), ABB and KDHC will explore the development and implementation of advanced AI-driven solutions, building on ABB’s global expertise in automation and digitalization alongside KDHC’s four decades of operational experience. This collaboration aims to modernize and future-proof South Korea’s critical heating infrastructure, enhancing reliability, efficiency, and sustainability for more than 1.9 million households nationwide.
ABB’s automation and control technologies have powered KDHC’s district heating operations for 40 years and the MoU, which builds on an ongoing relationship of trust and technical excellence, will endeavor to help drive the digital transformation of the future energy infrastructure of South Korea.
ABB and KDHC will establish a working group to develop AI-driven solutions for district heating, which will be anchored on KDHC’s AI Transformation (AX) Roadmap1,focusing on integrating throughout the value chain for smarter energy delivery in South Korea.
The collaboration comes as South Korea balances its industrial energy needs with ambitious net zero targets. The nation has committed to improving energy efficiency by 40 percent by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 20502. Modernizing critical infrastructure such as the national district heating network is an essential part of the country’s energy transition. As a centralized system, it is inherently efficient by capturing and reusing heat from power generation that would otherwise be lost, significantly reducing energy waste in support of the nation's climate goals3.
“KDHC’s AX (AI Transformation) Roadmap is a cornerstone of our vision to redefine intelligent energy services,” said a company spokesperson. “This bold initiative is central to our future, and by bringing ABB's world-class automation and digital expertise on board, we look forward to amplifying our ability to deliver innovative, sustainable solutions that will reshape the energy landscape and set new standards for our customers and communities.”
“Our long-standing relationship with KDHC stands as a testament to the power of trust and collaboration in driving meaningful progress,” said Anders Maltesen, President of ABB’s Energy Industries division, Asia. “Our shared focus on digital and AI innovation forms the bedrock of our efforts to accelerate South Korea’s transition to a low-carbon future. By harnessing smart automation, we are not only enhancing operational efficiency but also setting new benchmarks for greater sustainability and resilience across the district heating sector.
The collaboration reinforces a shared, long-term commitment to drive tangible improvements in energy efficiency, operational performance, and sustainable energy security for South Korea. It provides a clear framework for KDHC to realize its ambitions of AI transformation goals while enabling ABB to apply its expertise in industrial automation and AI-driven digital solutions to the modernization of the nation’s critical district heating infrastructure.
ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun’. The company has over 140 years of history and around 110,000 employees worldwide. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB). www.abb.com
ABB’s Process Automation business automates, electrifies and digitalizes industrial operations that address a wide range of essential needs – from supplying energy, water and materials, to producing goods and transporting them to market. With its ~20,000 employees, leading technology and service expertise, ABB Process Automation helps process, hybrid and maritime industries outrun – leaner and cleaner. go.abb/processautomation
1 https://www.districtenergy.org/blogs/district-energy/2025/08/26/the-korea-district-heating-corporation-hannan-has
2 https://epts.kdi.re.kr/polcTmsesSrvc/them?SEARCH_CTE_SEQ=72405
3 https://www.keei.re.kr/board.es?mid=a20102000000&bid=0028&act=view&list_no=119018&cg_code=C01
