SK Telecom is implementing an energy model in which universities directly use solar power for campus operations. It aims to cut operating costs and reduce carbon emissions by installing solar power facilities.

On May 13, SKT said it built solar energy infrastructure at Korea University's Seoul campus and implemented an energy model that directly uses solar power produced on campus for school operations.

The project builds about 1.8 megawatts of solar power facilities on the rooftops of 20 buildings on the Seoul campus, including the Business School main building and the Lyceum. SKT is carrying out an integrated project that includes the solar facilities and the operating system.

Korea University expects the solar infrastructure to raise the share of renewable energy used on campus and reduce carbon emissions from electricity use. It forecasts an annual reduction of about 1,069 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2). That is the amount absorbed in a year by about 213,800 pine trees. Annual electricity bill savings are estimated at about 350 million won.

SKT explained that the project is meaningful because it turns unused campus space on building rooftops into bases for producing eco-friendly energy and directly uses the power produced for school operations. Korea University will use it to lay the groundwork for practicing carbon neutrality and running a sustainable campus.

SKT will also build a control and monitoring system to efficiently manage generation status. Korea University is expected to be able to systematically manage generation volume, equipment status and energy use.

SKT plans to support energy efficiency and carbon emissions reductions for public institutions, universities and corporate customers through this project and other enterprise businesses.

Kim Gu-young (김구영), head of SKT's Enterprise Business Division and a vice president, said, "This project is an eco-friendly energy innovation model made by a university and a company together." He added, "SKT will continue to contribute to building a sustainable society with various solutions that help customers improve energy efficiency and enhance ESG value."