Energy X: A South Korean Company Is Revolutionizing Buildings into Renewable Energy Power Plants
Imagine a world where buildings are not just consumers of energy, but also generators, feeding power back into the grid. This vision is becoming a reality thanks to companies like Energy X, a South Korean innovator transforming ordinary buildings into self-powered structures.
Zero-Energy Buildings: The New Normal
Energy X is at the forefront of the zero-energy building (ZEB) movement. ZEBs are intelligently designed from the ground up, incorporating advanced insulation to minimize waste and powered by renewable energy sources like modern photovoltaic systems. In South Korea, this concept is rapidly evolving from an innovative idea to standard practice.
The South Korean government is actively promoting ZEBs through regulations. Since 2020, public buildings exceeding 1,000 square meters have been mandated to achieve a minimum 5-star energy rating. This requirement expanded in 2023 to include smaller public spaces and multi-unit housing, and by 2024, private apartments with 30 or more units will be subject to the same standard. The government’s ambitious goal is for all buildings to attain Grade 1 status by 2050, and Energy X is playing a crucial role in achieving this target.
Energy X combines IT, engineering, and clean energy expertise to provide a comprehensive solution. Their integrated platform empowers buildings to generate, save, and manage their own power, encompassing everything from energy creation to monitoring and control. This holistic approach has earned Energy X recognition as Korea’s #1 K-Unicon Energy Company by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, and led to their selection to build the country’s first +ZEB Energy X DY Building in 2023.
Collaboration is Key
Energy X understands that transforming the built environment requires a collaborative effort. They are fostering an ecosystem that includes property owners, architects, builders, and designers. A key partner in this endeavor is DesignWhos, a leading online platform in South Korea that integrates architecture, design, and construction.
DesignWhos functions as a digital gallery and marketplace, enabling users to explore Korean architecture and interiors, connect with professionals, and initiate projects. The platform also features XQUARE, an investment and simulation tool that supports new construction ventures. With over KRW 1 trillion in traffic, DesignWhos has become South Korea’s premier construction platform, recognized by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy for its innovation and platform management.
Expanding to the U.S.
Energy X is extending its reach beyond South Korea, partnering with Structure Tone Southwest in the U.S. to implement their energy-first approach in a 30,000-square-foot light industrial facility. This project prioritizes efficiency, future-readiness, and, most importantly, sustainability.
The U.S. project was completed in just seven days, showcasing Energy X’s tech-driven approach, speed, and collaborative spirit.
The Future is Now
The concept of buildings generating their own energy may have once seemed like a futuristic fantasy, but Energy X is proving that this future is already here. By integrating clean energy and smart design, Energy X is transforming the way we think about buildings, making zero-energy structures a tangible reality. With innovative partners like DesignWhos, advanced tools like XQUARE, and a robust tech stack built around photovoltaic systems, Energy X is leading the charge towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient future, and they are just getting started.