Peak Power Demand Hits 95.3 GW as Summer Heat Persists in Korea

Seoul, 9 August – The summer heat in South Korea has driven electricity demand to a record 95.321 gigawatts, the highest level recorded this year, according to the Korea Power Exchange. At that moment the grid’s reserve capacity was only about 8.2 gigawatts.

The sustained high temperatures have led to a sharp rise in cooling‑device usage across the country. The government warns that the next week’s forecast of continued heat, coupled with a post‑holiday rebound in industrial activity, may further lift the load.

To mitigate any supply gaps, the Energy Ministry increased the national generation capacity to 107 gigawatts, adding 2 gigawatts over last year, and arranged an extra 8.8 gigawatt reserve. While nuclear and solar production remain stable, officials expect the grid to stay under heightened pressure for the coming days.