On the 20th, the maximum power demand soared to 97.1GW, setting a new record for the highest demand ever. However, the reserve capacity was maintained at 8.2GW (reserve rate of 8.5%), ensuring stable power supply management.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced that Vice Minister Choi Nam-ho held an emergency meeting with related power agencies in the afternoon to review the power supply and demand situation and check the preventive measures against damage caused by the approaching typhoon.
Choi Nam-ho, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (right), is presiding over the "2024 Summer Peak Power Supply and Demand Preparation Emergency Inspection Meeting" held on the 20th at the Government Seoul Office Building, attended via video conference by officials from the Korea Power Exchange, Korea Electric Power Corporation, and other energy-related public enterprises.
An official from the ministry explained, "As Typhoon Jongdari moves northward, power demand rose as predicted by the power authorities' worst-case scenario. The influx of hot and humid air caused nationwide heat, and cloudy weather in the Honam region, where solar power facilities are concentrated, led to low solar power generation, causing a sharp increase in demand."
The maximum power demand was renewed three times in the past two weeks. After recording 94.6GW on the 13th, the maximum power demand reached 95.6GW on the 19th. The previous summer peak demand was 93.6GW, recorded on August 7 last year.
Vice Minister Choi said, "Despite the increase in power demand, we secured additional supply capacity through flexible operation of the transmission network, and thanks to cooperation in demand reduction such as energy saving in public institutions and adjustment of business operation rates, we were able to maintain stable reserve capacity. Since power demand may remain high on Wednesday and Thursday this week after the typhoon passes, we ask for participation in energy saving by adhering to appropriate indoor temperatures."
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