Despite Calls for Renewable Energy, Contribution to Peak Power Demand Remains Low

Increased Solar and Wind Facilities, but
Power Generation Fails to Keep Up with Facility Growth

Last Summer, Solar Peak Contribution Was Only 0.8%
During Peak, Most Power Supplied by Nuclear and Coal

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[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Joo Sang-don] Although electricity usage is rapidly increasing, the contribution of renewable energy remains low. Despite the Moon Jae-in administration's nuclear phase-out and coal phase-out policies leading to a rapid increase in solar and wind renewable energy facilities, these have not shown significant effects during the peak summer periods when electricity demand surges.

According to the Korea Power Exchange on the 20th, renewable energy power generation last year was 31,056,508 MWh, an increase of only 6,911,146 MWh (28.6%) compared to 2017 (24,145,362 MWh). Meanwhile, renewable energy facility capacity recorded 10,976 MW in 2017, 13,413 MW in 2018, and 15,791 MW in 2019. As of July this year, renewable energy facility capacity was 22,739 MW, a 10.7% increase compared to the end of last year (20,545 MW). Since the Moon Jae-in administration, facility capacity has more than doubled. Although renewable energy facilities centered on solar and wind have increased, the growth in power generation has not met expectations.

The contribution of renewable energy during peak electricity usage periods also remains below 1%. The Korea Power Exchange conducts internal analyses of peak contributions by energy source for supply-demand management but does not officially disclose this data. However, according to data on 'Power Generation and Share by Source during Peak Hours' submitted to People Power Party lawmaker Yoon Young-seok by the Korea Power Exchange, solar power accounted for only 0.4% of generation during peak hours from January 1 to 14, when winter electricity demand was high. This was due to snow accumulation on solar panels from heavy snowfall and a sharp drop in temperature, which lowered solar power generation efficiency. On January 7 and 8, the power supply reserve margin was 8.9% and 9.3%, respectively.

Especially during last July's summer peak hours, solar power accounted for only 0.8%, and in August, 1.8%. This was due to prolonged rainy season weather and reduced generation efficiency caused by high temperatures. Solar power generation efficiency typically decreases when temperatures rise above 25 degrees Celsius due to module overheating.

According to the 9th Basic Plan for Electricity Supply and Demand (2020?2034) announced by the government last year, renewable energy facility capacity is expected to increase to 77,800 MW by 2034. Solar power is projected at 45,600 MW and wind power at 24,900 MW, with peak contributions estimated at 13.9% and 3.1%, respectively.

An industry official said, "Although renewable energy facilities such as solar power have increased significantly compared to last year, the contribution during peak hours likely has not changed much from past levels," adding, "More than 90% of power supply during peak hours is still handled by nuclear and coal."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.