[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Haeyoung] The Korea Electrical Safety Corporation will advance the scheduled regular inspections of mountain solar power generation facilities, originally planned for the second half of this year, to the end of this month before the rainy season begins. This decision comes in response to the increase in accidents involving mountain solar power facilities caused by typhoons and heavy rains. Last year alone, there were 27 cases of soil runoff damage at mountain solar power sites.
During the regular inspections conducted every four years, the Electrical Safety Corporation focuses on key site damage such as drainage channels and fences, structural deformation, and bolt loosening. If any issues are found, the corporation notifies the operators with detailed inspection results and advises on necessary improvements. Currently, there are a total of 743 domestic mountain solar power generation facilities subject to early regular inspections.
Safety inspections of mountain solar power plant sites and structures will also be strengthened. By diagnosing foundational facilities, appearance, and construction status together, comprehensive inspections covering the entire facility rather than just electrical equipment are now possible. Previously, if the facility management was inadequate, only improvements or recommendations were made, but now safety regulations have been strengthened to allow for failure judgments. New power generation facility operators are required to submit structural safety certificates or inspection records as preparatory materials.
The corporation plans to establish and operate the "KESKO Green New Deal Integrated Technology Center" to manage the safety of solar power generation facilities. The center will systematically support the entire process from the design stage of renewable energy power generation facilities to safety maintenance after completion.
President Park Jihyun stated, "Through continuous improvement of inspection tasks for solar facility sites and structures, we will take the lead in enhancing the safety of renewable energy facilities and expanding their distribution."
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