Maximum Power Demand This Winter 94GW... Supply Capacity 109GW
Timely Operation of Shin Hanul Unit 1... Optimization of Existing Nuclear Power Maintenance Schedule
'Fine Dust Seasonal Management' Implemented... Possible Revision of Coal Power Generation Limits
A panoramic view of the Gori Nuclear Power Plant located in Gijang-gun, Busan. [Photo by Asia Economy DB]
[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Lee Jun-hyung] The government has decided to maximize the use of nuclear power, a base-load power source, to ensure stable electricity supply during the winter season. Considering the instability of the energy supply chain, the government also plans to operate the output restrictions on coal-fired power plants under the fine dust seasonal management system flexibly.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) announced that Park Il-jun, the 2nd Vice Minister of MOTIE, visited the Wolseong Nuclear Power Plant in Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk, on the morning of the 30th to inspect its operation status. On the same day, Vice Minister Park held a meeting at Wolseong Nuclear Power Plant with power group companies such as Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) to review winter electricity supply measures.
At the meeting, MOTIE presented the "Winter Electricity Supply and Demand Outlook and Measures." According to MOTIE, the peak electricity demand period this winter is expected to be the third week of January next year. The maximum electricity demand forecast ranges from a minimum of 90.4GW to a maximum of 94GW, similar to last year's peak maximum demand of 90.7GW.
The electricity supply capacity is estimated at 109GW, an increase of 5.5GW compared to last year's peak, assuming that new nuclear power plants such as Shin Hanul Unit 1 will begin full commercial operation this winter. The power reserve capacity is expected to be between 15 and 18.6GW, indicating a stable electricity supply and demand situation during winter. However, MOTIE is concerned about unexpected variables such as early cold waves and fuel supply risks due to global supply chain instability.
Park Il-jun, the 2nd Vice Minister of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, is delivering opening remarks at the 'Major Industry Meeting on Energy Supply and Demand' held on September 23 at the Korea Electric Power Corporation Namseoul Headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@
Securing 9.8GW of Reserve Resources
In response, MOTIE plans to prepare for winter electricity supply risks through various measures. First, MOTIE will operate new nuclear power plants such as Shin Hanul Unit 1 on schedule and optimize maintenance schedules of existing nuclear plants to maximize their operation rates. Additionally, to prepare for sudden surges in electricity demand, MOTIE will secure up to 9.8GW of reserve resources by utilizing generators currently undergoing test operations.
To reduce electricity consumption, the "Energy Diet" for public institutions will also be strengthened. MOTIE plans to randomly inspect energy demand management at public institutions and reflect energy-saving achievements in management evaluations. If necessary, spot purchases of fuels such as bituminous coal and liquefied natural gas (LNG) will be increased to manage fuel stocks stably.
The key issue is the fine dust seasonal management system. Earlier, the government announced at the 10th Special Committee on Fine Dust held on the 25th of this month that the 4th fine dust seasonal management system will be implemented for four months from next month through March next year. The seasonal management system is a policy that implements stronger fine dust reduction and management measures than usual from December to March, when the average concentration of ultrafine dust is typically 26% higher than the annual average.
On the 25th, when the concentration of ultrafine dust in the metropolitan area and Chungcheong region showed a 'bad' level, the area around Jongno, Seoul appeared hazy. On the same day, the government held a Special Committee on Fine Dust chaired by Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to discuss countermeasures. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@
"Flexible Operation of Coal Power Output Limits"
During this period, MOTIE must suspend the operation of 8 to 14 out of 53 coal-fired power plants nationwide. However, considering the global energy crisis triggered by the Ukraine situation, MOTIE holds the position that the coal-fired power output limit, currently capped at 80%, may be revised. In addition, to prevent unexpected power equipment failures, MOTIE will strengthen pre-inspections of power facilities centered on KEPCO and power generation public corporations and will replace aged transformers and transmission lines in advance.
Meanwhile, MOTIE has designated the three months from December 1st this year to February 28th next year as the "Winter Electricity Supply and Demand Countermeasure Period." During this period, MOTIE plans to operate a "Comprehensive Electricity Supply and Demand Situation Room" together with power group companies to monitor the energy supply and demand situation.
Vice Minister Park said, "The electricity supply outlook this winter is more stable compared to summer," adding, "However, since there are unpredictable variables such as sudden cold waves, we will not lower our guard and will make every effort to ensure stable electricity and fuel supply." He also stated, "To overcome the wave of the energy crisis, energy-saving efforts by both public and private sectors are necessary," and added, "We hope the public will also contribute by practicing energy conservation."
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