Energy demand hits yearly high on continued heat wave

South Korea experienced its highest electricity demand of the year in recent days due to an ongoing heat wave, according to data released on Sunday by the Korea Power Exchange (KPX). The country's maximum electricity demand peaked at 95.321 gigawatts on Friday, with a reserve capacity of 8.2 gigawatts. An emergency power supply alert is triggered if the figure drops below 5.5 gigawatts.

The total electricity demand is estimated to have surpassed 10.42 gigawatts between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Friday. Government officials anticipate a rise in electricity demand over the coming week as the heat persists and industrial activity ramps up following the summer break. The energy ministry has increased energy supply by 2 gigawatts compared to last year, reaching 107 gigawatts, and has set aside an additional 8.8 gigawatts of reserve capacity for any unforeseen shortages.

KPX stated that power supply and demand are being managed stably, with no major disruptions reported in nuclear or solar power generation at present.