The changes in the energy market, driven by the rapid expansion of AI and renewable energy, have established ESS as a cornerstone of power grid infrastructure. As AI datacenters notably increase in number, power demand is rising and usage patterns are becoming more complex. This makes the role of ESS in reliably supporting these changes increasingly important.

We set down with Pro Sang-bum Park, a key member of ESS Sales Group, to discuss recent shifts in the market and the advantages SAMSUNG SDI offers in this changing landscape.

[Pro Sang-bum Park, Responsible for ESS Sales]

Q. As a manager of ESS sales, what responsibilities do you handle?

ESS sales is more about than just selling products. The job focuses on understanding the customer’s business structure and the power market, aiming to design solutions that ensure the stability and profitability of the customer’s ESS business. 

I comprehensively check various factors such as technical requirements, bidding structures, and profit models, bridging the gap between customers and SAMSUNG SDI as a “strategic coordinator.” 

Going beyond simply securing short-term orders, I aim to establish an ESS project system that ensures stable, long-term operation, ultimately strengthening customer trust.

Q. What is the most significant change in recent ESS market?

With the expansion of renewable energy and the intensified uncertainties of energy supply, what strikes me most about ESS is that people are beginning to recognize it as a “national critical infrastructure.” Now that the national power grid is focusing its attention on the ESS, discussions tend to evaluate the long-term value of the system, such as operational reliability, system safety, and sustainability rather than just the installation cost.

Long-duration energy systems(LDES) that discharge for 6 hours a day and charge for 7 hours or more are also spreading across the country. Just a few years ago, ESS with a daily usage of 3-4 hours were prevalent, but now there is an increasing trend toward larger-capacity facilities designed for extended operation. 

[SBB(Samsung Battery Box), an ESS solution of SAMSUNG SDI]

Q. What do you consider to be the most important aspect of sales work?

What I consider the most important is that the sales, development, and technology departments speak with one voice when communicating with customers. I believe the sales department should convey accurate requests from customers to the other departments, while ensuring all three parts are aligned in the same context when describing our advantages and limitations to the customers.

When the aligned projects bring fruitful outcomes, I realize the power of cooperation.

Q. What do you think SAMSUNG SDI’s exceptional advantage is in the ESS market?

Our competitiveness in the market lies in verified safety, long-term reliability, and a commitment to operational responsibility. SAMSUNG SDI has both domestic and overseas production bases, and complies with rigorous quality standards during production.

We also take full responsibility for any issues that arise while our customers are using our ESS. I recall a client telling me after a bid that they chose SAMSUNG SDI because of accumulated trust. Our true competitive edge is being the most reliable partner.

[Pro Sang-bum Park, Responsible for ESS Sales]

Q. Please share the current ESS trends and SAMSUNG SDI’s direction in its ESS business.

The ESS market is shifting toward evaluating not just price competitiveness, but now also safety and reliability in long-term operation. In this evolving landscape, we are proposing the optimal battery and system tailored to each project’s purpose and operational conditions.

We are utilizing both NCA(Nickel, Cobalt, Aluminum) and LFP(Lithium, Iron, Phosphate) batteries for ESS and focusing on system-level safety and operational reliability including Enhanced Direct Injection(EDI). Based on the strategies, SAMSUNG SDI will continue to provide reliable ESS solutions for the long-run.