Transmission network bottlenecks lead to power output reductions in South Korea

• 3 months ago (2024-10-16)
• David Flin

Asia 909 Distribution 126 Transmission 198

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The Hanbit Nuclear Power Plant in Yeonggwang, South Jeolia Province, South Korea, located in a region with a high concentration of renewable energy sources, has had to reduce its power production five times in the first half of the year due to limitations in the transmission and distribution network.

During the first half of 2024, 163.2 GWh of output had to be foregone due to transmission line capacity reaching its limits. Restrictions are particularly severe in transmissions to the metropolitan area from the east coast, and to demand centres from the Honam region, encompassing North and South Jeolla provinces. These bottlenecks in the transmission network have forced power plants to reduce output to prevent overloading the system.

The situation was further exacerbated in July when the Shinjecheon substation experienced issues, causing Hanul Units 1 and 6 and Shin Hanul Unit 1 to reduce operations. This followed a similar event in Spring 2023 when the Hanbit Nuclear Power Plant had to reduce power production on five separate occasions.