Minister Lee Chang-yang Inspects Bukdangjin-Godeok HVDC Phase 2 Construction Site
Next Week's Peak Power Demand 92.5GW... Securing Reserve Capacity Over 6.0GW
The '500kV Bukdangjin-Godeok HVDC Phase 2 Project,' which supplies power to the Pyeongtaek semiconductor complex and the southern metropolitan area, is expected to be fully operational as early as the end of this year.
On the 2nd, Lee Chang-yang, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, visited the construction sites of the power grid in Dangjin, including the '500kV Bukdangjin-Godeok HVDC Phase 2 Project' and the '345kV Bukdangjin-Sintangjeong Transmission Line,' urging thorough preparations to meet the completion targets.
The completion targets are December this year for the 500kV Bukdangjin-Godeok HVDC Phase 2 and December next year for the 345kV Bukdangjin-Sintangjeong line.
The 500kV Bukdangjin-Godeok HVDC Phase 2 Project is approaching completion following the Phase 1 completion in December 2020. Through this project, a total generation capacity of 3GW from the West Coast region will be supplied to the southern metropolitan area, including Pyeongtaek, where Samsung Electronics' semiconductor complex (DRAM, NAND, etc.) is located. By applying the new HVDC technology, it is expected to enhance the stability of the power system by enabling transmission control and fault current interruption.
Additionally, Minister Lee inspected the construction site of the 345kV Bukdangjin-Sintangjeong transmission line, a representative long-delayed project. This project, which began in 2003, originally aimed for completion in June 2012. Currently, some undergrounding work remains, with completion targeted by the end of next year. Once completed, this transmission line is expected to alleviate power generation constraints in the West Coast region and expand power supply capacity in the metropolitan area.
Minister Lee stated, "Timely construction of the power grid is not only a key factor for the success of new investments in advanced industries but also essential for balanced national development." He emphasized, "To ensure smooth power supply to the 15 national advanced industrial complexes announced in March and the advanced, materials, parts, and equipment specialized complexes announced in July for industries such as semiconductors, bio, and secondary batteries, the government will work as one team with Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) and roll up its sleeves to ensure timely power grid construction."
He added, "Recently, residents' acceptance of power grids has deteriorated, and investment costs have significantly increased, raising concerns that delays in power grid expansion could become an Achilles' heel for our economy. We will embark on establishing a new policy support system that goes beyond existing frameworks, including revolutionary improvements in related regulations and procedures, creating cooperative models among local governments to enhance regional acceptance, and strengthening KEPCO's investment capabilities."
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy expects the peak power demand anticipated next week to be 92.5GW, which is not significantly different from previous forecasts (baseline 92.7GW to upper limit 97.8GW). However, variables may arise depending on the path of Typhoon Khanun, and the ministry plans to conduct additional forecasts considering this.
The supply capacity at peak time is expected to be 104.8GW (reserve margin 13.3%) if Hanbit Unit 2, which broke down on the 24th of last month, is restored, or 103.8GW (reserve margin 12.2%) if restoration is delayed. The ministry anticipates that with a reserve margin of over 6.0GW, there will be no disruption in power supply and demand.
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