Nuclear Power Generation in the First Half Hits Second Highest Ever... Recovery of Generation Share to the 30% Range
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] It has been revealed that nuclear power generation in the first half of this year was the second highest ever. As nuclear power generation increased, its share in total power generation recovered to the 30% range for the first time in four years.
According to the Korea Electric Power Corporation's electricity statistics bulletin on the 13th, nuclear power generation in the first half of this year was 82,068 GWh, a 2.8% increase compared to 79,827 GWh last year.
This is the second highest ever, following 2016 (86,513 GWh), which had the highest nuclear power generation in the first half.
Total power generation in the first half decreased by 2.5% compared to last year, totaling 270,156 GWh, with most energy sources except nuclear power generation declining simultaneously. Coal power generation decreased by 9.6%, while renewable energy and gas power generation fell by 5.5% and 1.0%, respectively.
The increase in nuclear power generation is due to the operation of Shin-Kori Unit 4 (1.4 GW), which began commercial operation in September last year. As of the first half of this year, nuclear power plant capacity was 23.3 GW, accounting for 18% of the total installed capacity of 127.3 GW.
The share of nuclear power generation also reached 30.4%, nearly approaching the historical average of 32%.
The highest share of nuclear power in the first half was in 2005 at 41.1%, but it dropped to 21.5% in 2018 due to the increase in LNG power facilities and maintenance caused by poor nuclear power plant construction.
After rebounding to 28.8% last year, it has recovered to the historical average level of 30% this year.
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An energy industry official said, "Nuclear power is a base load power source, so even when electricity demand decreases due to COVID-19, it is relatively less affected compared to other power sources," adding, "The additional operation of nuclear power plants seems to have increased the share of nuclear power."
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