LG Electronics to pilot apartment heat pump electrification in Jeju

LG Electronics, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, Jeju Development Corporation, and the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology have signed a memorandum of understanding to launch a pilot project for the electrification of heating and cooling in multi-unit residential buildings.

The project will be implemented at Shinhyo Apartment, a 12-unit public rental complex in Seogwipo, Jeju. This marks the first attempt in South Korea to fully electrify residential energy in an occupied apartment complex, replacing fossil fuel-based boilers (LPG, city gas, or kerosene) with a 100% electric system.

The system utilizes high-efficiency heat pumps for individual unit cooling and floor heating, while addressing space constraints for hot water through a central ‘Power to Heat’ (P2H) system. This central system will use surplus renewable energy, such as solar power, to provide hot water to all units via a large-capacity tank located in a common area.

LG Electronics will be responsible for heat pump design, product supply, and performance evaluation. The data collected will be used to develop a standard model for Korean-style apartment electrification. Construction is scheduled to begin in October, with completion expected in December.