SEOUL, Nov 16: South Korea may have to bring in rolling power blackouts this winter after the closure of nuclear plants for safety checks means the electricity network will have less than a third of normal reserve capacity.
Asia’s fourth-largest economy said it aims to add 4,000 megawatts (MW) of power supply capacity through savings and new plants in a bid to head off potential blackouts.
Here are South Korea’s new power plans:
PLAN TO SECURE EXTRA 4,000 MW
South Korea expects its excess power generating capacity over projected demand in January will be 1,270 MW, or 28 percent of the reserve margin that the government aims to keep to guarantee supplies, said a statement from the economy ministry.
To shore up reserve capacity, it aims to supply 1,270 MW via new power plants, or boosting output from existing private and public power generators.
The measures include 400 MW from existing power generators, 830 MW from completing a liquefied natural gas (LNG) power plant one month earlier at the end of December, and delaying the closure of a 40 MW fuel oil power plant by six months until March next year.
At existing thermal power plants, more high-calorific coal could be used to lift power generation.
On demand, Seoul aims to curb consumption by more than 3,000 MW through measures such as turning off lights and setting thermostats in firms and public places at 18-20 degrees Celsius, lower than usual. Fines of 3 million won ($2,800) could be imposed for breaches.
About 6,000 firms and public places where electricity consumption is relatively high will have to cut power consumption by 10 percent in January and February. —
(AGENCIES)
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