No blackout reported after shutdown of old coal-fired thermal power plants

By Park Sae-jin Posted : June 1, 2017, 18:28 Updated : June 1, 2017, 18:28

A file picture shows a thermal power plant.[Yonhap News Photo]


Fears of a power blackout dissipated after old coal-fired thermal power plants were shut down amid growing public concerns about a health hazard caused by particulate pollution largely originating from China.

Out of 59 coal-fired thermal power plants, eight aged 30 years or older were closed for 30 days Thursday on an order from President Moon Jae-in to help reduce particulate pollution. The shutdown raised concerns about a power shortage, but Korea Power Exchange (KPE), a state body in charge of electricity supply, reported no blackout.

Daily KPE data showed that power consumption rose up to 81.83 million kilowatts at the peak time between 4:00 and 5:00 pm on Thursday from 69.23 million kilowatts the previous day. Reserve power stood at 12.3 million kilowatts.

To fight air pollution and reduce carbon dioxide emissions, Moon has pledged the permanent closure of old power stations. But the president's office is now cautious in closing old nuclear power stations due to concern about a power shortage.

Next year, ten aged thermal power plants will be closed for four months from March each year. At the summer peak time, gas power stations would boost electricity production.

Lim Chang-won = cwlim34@ajunews.com

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