Korea Breaks Power Demand Records Amid Unprecedented July Heatwave

South Korea recorded its highest ever July electricity demand of 93.4 gigawatts (GW) on July 7, as unprecedented heatwave conditions drive air conditioning usage to record levels across the nation.

Breaking Temperature and Power Records

The Korea Meteorological Administration reported that July 7 saw nationwide average temperatures reach 33.2°C (91.8°F), with Seoul hitting 35.1°C (95.2°F) - the highest temperature recorded this year. More extreme readings came from Daegu at 37.8°C (100°F) and Andong at 38.2°C (100.8°F), with heat indices exceeding 40°C (104°F).

This extreme weather directly translated into record-breaking electricity consumption. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) confirmed that peak power demand reached 93.4 GW at 2 PM on July 7, surpassing the previous July record of 91.2 GW set in 2024 by 2.2 GW - a 2.4% year-over-year increase.

Air Conditioning Drives 70% of Increased Demand

KEPCO's analysis reveals that cooling equipment accounts for approximately 70% of the total increase in electricity demand. As temperatures soar beyond comfortable levels, both residential and commercial facilities have dramatically increased air conditioning usage.

Park, a 34-year-old office worker from Seoul's Gangnam District, explained the situation many Koreans face: "I have to run the air conditioner from morning until night - the heat is unbearable otherwise. I'm worried about the electricity bill, but there's no choice but to keep it running."

Government Activates Emergency Response

Prime Minister Kim Yong-hee announced emergency measures during the 5th Inter-Agency Heatwave Response Support Headquarters meeting on July 10. "This summer's power demand is likely to reach record-breaking levels," Kim stated. "We will mobilize all available resources to ensure stable electricity supply."

The government has designated the period through the end of August as a power supply management period, with 24-hour comprehensive situation rooms now operational. Authorities are also checking emergency plans to prepare for potential large-scale equipment failures and securing backup generation facilities.

Five-Year Trend Shows Accelerating Growth

Analysis of summer electricity demand over the past five years reveals a concerning upward trend. Starting from 85.4 GW in 2020, demand has steadily increased to 88.2 GW (2021), 89.7 GW (2022), 91.8 GW (2023), and 93.1 GW (2024), with each year setting new records.

Notably, the rate of increase appears to be accelerating. Energy economists attribute this to multiple factors beyond simple temperature increases, including changes in lifestyle patterns, industrial facility expansion, and the proliferation of power-intensive data centers.

Dr. Kim from the Korea Energy Economics Institute noted: "This isn't just about rising temperatures. The expansion of remote work, increased commercial facilities, and growth in electricity-intensive facilities like data centers are all contributing factors. We expect summer electricity demand to continue rising over the next decade."

Industrial Sector Adapts to New Realities

Beyond residential demand, South Korea's industrial sector is also adapting to changing power consumption patterns. The semiconductor and display industries, with their 24-hour cleanroom operations and cooling systems, represent significant contributors to summer electricity demand.

Major semiconductor companies including Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are investing in independent power generation facilities and energy efficiency improvements. An industry representative explained: "Due to the nature of our production lines, we cannot shut down cooling systems, causing electricity costs to surge in summer. We're responding through energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy adoption."

Electricity Rate Pressure and Public Burden

Surging power demand is creating pressure for electricity rate increases. While the government currently suppresses rate hikes, experts believe medium to long-term adjustments will become unavoidable due to sustained demand growth and rising generation costs.

Lee, a 42-year-old housewife from Seoul's Nowon District, expressed common concerns: "Last summer our electricity bill was more than double the usual amount. With this year's more severe heat, I expect it to be even higher. We can't avoid using air conditioning, but the electricity bill is terrifying."

Renewable Energy Solution Gains Urgency

Energy experts argue that this power demand crisis highlights the urgent need for renewable energy expansion and energy efficiency improvements. Solar power generation offers particular promise, as peak generation hours coincide with peak cooling demand during summer afternoons.

A Korea Energy Agency official emphasized: "The time when solar power generation peaks during summer midday hours aligns with when cooling demand causes electricity usage to surge, providing significant assistance. We need to further increase the proportion of solar and other renewable energy sources."

Public Conservation Efforts Crucial

The government is urging voluntary public participation in electricity conservation to ensure stable power supply. Officials particularly request reduced unnecessary power usage during 2-5 PM when demand reaches daily peaks.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy stated: "Simple practices like maintaining appropriate cooling temperatures at 26°C, unplugging unused electronic devices, and reducing elevator usage can significantly help power supply stability. We ask for active public cooperation."

Long-term Solutions Beyond Crisis Management

As climate change intensifies summer heatwaves, experts argue that comprehensive long-term strategies must extend beyond short-term supply management. This includes expanding power generation capacity alongside demand management and energy efficiency improvements.

Professor Kim from Seoul National University, an energy expert, advised: "Considering the trend of record-breaking power demand increases each year, power plant expansion alone has limitations. We need multifaceted measures including smart grid construction, energy storage system (ESS) expansion, and demand response program activation."

As it remains difficult to predict how long this summer's heatwave will continue, the government's power supply management capabilities and public conservation efforts have become more crucial than ever. This situation serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions in the face of climate change.

Original article: https://trendy.storydot.kr/social/record-heatwave-power-demand-surge-july