Martial Arts "This Year, Trade Center Saves 1.3 Billion Won in Energy Costs"

Electricity Consumption This Year 88,000 MWh... 2% Increase YoY
Introduction of Renewable Energy 'Suyeol System' from Next Year

Trade Center, Samseong-dong, Seoul.
Photo by Asia Economy DB

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Yeju] This year, despite an increase in facility operation rates at the Trade Center, energy costs were reduced by 1.3 billion KRW.

The Korea International Trade Association (KITA) announced on the 2nd that various energy-saving activities are being implemented to conserve energy at the Trade Center.

Amid rising energy unit prices this year and an increase in visitors to the Trade Center, the operation rates of various facilities have significantly increased. However, electricity consumption at the Trade Center (88,000 MWh) until November this year increased by only 2% compared to the same period last year, and gas usage actually decreased compared to last year.

With the expansion of international events such as the World Forestry Congress (May 2?6) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Seoul Session (October 19?20), as well as increased visitors to COEX Mall, the cinema, and the aquarium, the Trade Center’s operation rate has entered a stable phase.

The exhibition hall facility operation rate until October rose from 44% in the same period last year to 65% this year, COEX Mall sales increased by 30% compared to last year, and sales at the cinema and aquarium increased by approximately 130% and 50%, respectively. In particular, despite facility expansions such as nine large outdoor advertising media and 53 electric vehicle charging stations, electricity consumption is expected to decrease by 28% to 96,000 MWh by the end of this year compared to last year. This is about 77% of the electricity consumption level at its peak (125,000 MWh) in 2009.

The Trade Center saved about 1.3 billion KRW in energy costs this year alone through ▲replacement with high-efficiency lighting (LED) ▲use of renewable energy ▲use of off-peak electricity ▲temperature control for heating and cooling ▲and daily energy-saving activities.

Starting next year, the introduction of a geothermal heat system, which has high energy-saving effects and is recognized as renewable energy, is expected to save an additional 1.4 billion KRW annually. The geothermal heat system, still in its early stages of adoption domestically, utilizes raw water from the water supply (average 15°C) for cooling in summer, significantly reducing energy consumption compared to conventional electric cooling methods.

Jung Manki, Vice Chairman of the Korea International Trade Association, said, "The rise in import prices of energy and petroleum products directly affects the deterioration of the trade balance, so all companies must participate in energy saving." He added, "The Trade Center will continue to develop and implement energy-saving measures to contribute to defending the trade balance."

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