The state-run Korea Electric Power Corp., the nation’s largest utility giant, has vowed to build an “energy valley,” a global hub city for smart energy, in Naju, South Jeolla Province.

KEPCO revealed its vision during the CEO‘s opening speech Monday for the 1st Bitgaram International Exposition of Electric Power Technology.

“As a global energy leader, KEPCO has contributed to development of the national economy and the growth of the global energy industry. With such sense of responsibility and mission in mind, the company has started a journey to the establishment of the Bitgaram Energy Valley (since its relocation to Naju in December 2014),” CEO Cho Hwan-eik said. Bitgaram is the Korean nickname for Naju.

“The first step to realize this vision is the hosting of the Bitgaram International Exposition of Electric Power Technology,” he said.

About 2,000 engineers, inventors, scholars and power company representatives from 35 countries gathered at the international trade show for the power industry that will run from Monday through Wednesday in Gwangju, 330 kilometers south of Seoul.

Participants will discuss the future of the power industry and exchange information and contacts. Key speakers at the event include Nobel laureate Peter Grunberg, U.S. Electric Power Research Institute CEO Michael Howard and Alireza Rastegar, president of the International Federation of the Inventors‘ Association, KEPCO said in a press release.

International attendants will also have a chance to learn the energy storage system projects, including the smart grid, which the Korean government is actively pursuing.

“Based on the successful hosting of the 2015 BIXPO, we will continue our efforts to lay a strong foundation for establishing an energy hub city in Naju and take leadership role in identifying new growth engines to ensure sustainable development of the global energy industry,” Cho said.

By Seo Jee-yeon (jyseo@heraldcorp.com)