23 of 24 Nuclear Reactors Operating... "Stable Power Supply Expected During Winter"

Minister Andeok Geun Visits Bundang Power Headquarters
to Inspect Winter Power Supply and Demand

The power supply and demand this winter season is showing a stable level due to relatively warm temperatures and maximum operation of nuclear power plants.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced that Minister Andeok Geun visited the Korea South-East Power Company's Bundang Power Headquarters located in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province on the 16th to inspect the winter power supply and demand situation.

According to the Ministry, on the 9th when heavy snow and cold waves occurred, the peak demand was 90.7GW with a reserve margin of 23%, recording a level similar to the peak demand in the winter of 2021. The average temperature in December last year was 1.8 degrees Celsius, 0.7 degrees higher than the normal average (1.1 degrees Celsius).

An official from the Ministry stated, "This winter, the reserve capacity generally exceeds 20GW, and the reserve margin is continuously maintained above 20%," adding, "The reason for the stable power supply and demand is that the temperature was relatively high, and out of the 24 nuclear power plants, 23 are operating except for Saewool Unit 1, which is under planned preventive maintenance."

The Ministry plans to make every effort to maintain a stable power supply and demand situation. To this end, Minister Andeok comprehensively reviewed not only the supply and demand situation and the status of key equipment management but also the impact of the recent exchange rate increase on fuel supply during the on-site inspection. At this meeting, power generation public enterprises and Korea Electric Power Corporation reported on crisis management situations such as periodic equipment inspections and employee safety management. Korea Gas Corporation stated that amid increasing volatility in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) market due to recent exchange rate rises and abnormal weather, it is striving to manage volume and price stably through long-term contracts, and will maintain a real-time reporting system while monitoring the situation more closely for the time being.

Minister Andeok said, "Although the uncertainty of the Korean economy is significant, it is important to fulfill each one's duty without wavering especially at times like this," and added, "Together with related power agencies, we will ensure stable management of power supply and demand through equipment inspections, timely fuel procurement, and weather monitoring."

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