On the morning of March 11, the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment (MCEE, Minister Kim Sunghwan) held an energy response review meeting related to the situation in the Middle East at the Korea Electric Power Corporation’s Nam Seoul Headquarters (located in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul). The meeting, chaired by Minister Kim, examined response measures in preparation for a prolonged crisis in the Middle East.

Energy public corporations and related institutions, including Korea Electric Power Corporation, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, the five power generation companies, Korea Gas Corporation, private power generation companies, and the Korea Energy Economics Institute, attended the meeting.

Although international oil and natural gas prices have recently surged due to the situation in the Middle East, there is a time lag before these changes are reflected in the electricity market, so the direct impact on electricity tariffs has so far been limited. However, if high oil prices persist for a prolonged period and the import of liquefied natural gas (LNG) faces disruptions, an impact on the electricity market will be inevitable. Accordingly, the MCEE decided to proactively review and prepare measures to stabilize electricity tariffs. 

First, during off-peak periods*, the utilization rate of nuclear power plants, of which 15 units (with a total installed capacity of 16.45 GW) are currently in operation, will be increased by ensuring the timely restart of nuclear reactors undergoing maintenance, within the range that does not compromise stable grid operation and safety. 

* Refers to periods of low electricity demand (e.g., spring and autumn, Lunar New Year and Chuseok holidays, etc.).

Through the necessary procedures within March, efforts will be made to concentrate the maintenance and administrative capacity of Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power to enable the restart of two units (Shin-Wolsong 1 and Kori 2), and to ensure that an additional four units (Hanbit 6, Hanul 3, and Wolsong 2 and 3) are restarted without disruption by mid-May.

In addition, as the 7th Seasonal Fine Dust Management Period (Dec. 1, 2025-Mar. 31, 2026) is currently in effect, the output of operating coal-fired power plants is restricted to 80% on weekdays (currently around 15 units) to reduce fine dust emissions, while on weekends some coal-fired power plants that are not essential during off-peak periods are being shut down (with up to 29 units expected to be halted by the end of March). 

Accordingly, if disruptions in the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) are anticipated, the government plans to review measures to operate coal-fired power plants more flexibly. However, the utilization rate of coal-fired power plants will be increased during periods when the impact of yellow dust and fine dust is relatively low, while ensuring that even if power generation increases, fine dust emissions do not rise sharply by using low-sulfur coal and expanding the operation of air pollution control facilities.

The MCEE stated that through these measures it will strive to minimize the impact of the Middle East situation and stabilize electricity tariffs. In addition, measures to minimize the impact of rising prices leading to increases in electricity tariffs (i.e., increases in electricity market prices) will also be reviewed. Furthermore, as the rapid deployment of renewable energy such as solar power is considered a fundamental solution to the current situation, the government plans to swiftly execute this year’s budget for renewable energy deployment and financing programs. It will also work with relevant agencies to promptly resolve on-site difficulties arising in the permitting and grid connection processes in order to enable the early operation of renewable energy facilities. 

At the meeting, Minister Kim Sunghwan of the MCEE stated, “Korea’s energy system is highly dependent on imported fossil fuels, making it vulnerable to fluctuations in international energy prices.” He added, “Rapidly transitioning to an energy structure centered on renewable energy is key to energy security, as it addresses both import dependency and decarbonization. We will bring together the efforts of all institutions to establish a decarbonized energy security system, including the deployment of 100 GW of renewable energy by 2030.”

Meanwhile, following the meeting, Minister Kim Sunghwan will visit four major policy sites* in the southwestern Gyeonggi region (Siheung, Ansan, and Hwaseong) in the afternoon of March 11 to review the progress of the energy transition centered on renewable energy.

* △ Site planned for the expansion of the Sihwa Lake Tidal Power Plant, △ rooftop solar power generation within the Sihwa National Industrial Complex, △ Kia Autoland Hwaseong Plant (electric vehicle production plant), △ Korea District Heating Corporation electrode boiler demonstration site

For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division. 

Contact person: Gina Lee, foreign media spokesperson

Phone: +82-44-201-6055

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