The Government and Local Governments to Strengthen Management of 'Power Grid Reservation' and Implement Region-Specific Measures

Jeonnam-Gwangju Power System Council Fully Launched

On the 18th, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy held the 'Jeonnam-Gwangju Power Grid Council' chaired by Lee Ok-heon, Director of the Electricity Policy Division, together with Jeonnam Province, Gwangju City, Korea Electric Power Corporation, Korea Power Exchange, and Korea Energy Agency. They announced plans for the government, local governments, and related organizations to collaborate and implement customized measures for regions experiencing grid issues.

In the past, the Honam region maintained a balance between electricity demand and supply. However, due to the recent surge in renewable energy, surplus electricity exceeding local demand is being generated. The power authorities are currently establishing and promoting large-scale power grid construction and investment plans to transmit the excess power from the Honam region to the metropolitan area, including advanced industries and new towns.

However, as residents' acceptance of power grid construction has significantly deteriorated recently, raising concerns about construction delays, discussions were held with local governments on timely implementation of permits and approvals, designation of power grid construction managers within metropolitan local governments, and the establishment of a permanent communication channel for addressing power grid construction difficulties to ensure timely grid construction. The government also announced plans to establish a national support system for timely grid expansion through the enactment of the 'Special Act on Expansion of National Power Grid Infrastructure.'

Furthermore, management measures were discussed regarding the phenomenon of 'power grid reservation,' where developers secure power grid capacity without proceeding with projects after obtaining development permits. Guidance on stabilizing the Gyeongbu summer and spring grid this year and requests for local government cooperation for stable grid operation were also made.

Director Lee stated, "Timely construction of the power grid is paramount to resolving power grid issues, and active participation from local governments is necessary to accelerate timely construction." He added, "We will continue to communicate to resolve regional grid issues."

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy plans to form regional councils and implement customized measures for regions experiencing grid issues, starting with the Jeonnam-Gwangju area and extending to Jeju and Gangwon regions.

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