The World On arirang

In the face of a looming energy crisis, Korea's energy minister said Sunday the government is doing all it can to secure sufficient power reserves.


"Even minor problems at any of the country's power plants this week could lead to serious consequences such as nationwide blackouts that we experienced back in 2011. The government is doing all it can to secure additional power reserves."

During the first three days of this week the government has strongly urged all office buildings, homes and factories to save electricity during 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The country's electricity demand is expected to reach its annual peak, topping 80 million kilowatts, which would cause the country's power reserve to dip below two million kilowatts.
The government has banned all government agencies from turning on air conditioners until Wednesday.
To add to concerns about this unprecedented demand, a 500-thousand kilowatt generator at a thermal power plant in Dangjin located in South Chungcheong Province was shut down on Sunday.


"The generator turbines were vibrating too much that we had to abruptly shut it down. We are trying to find out what caused the problem."

Repairs are underway but officials say it will take at least one week before operations can resume.
Another thermal power plant generator in Seocheon , South Chungcheong Province was temporarily suspended Monday morning due to problems with the pumping system but operations resumed an hour later.
Ji Myung-kil, Arirang News.