Synopsis
South Korea has introduced new strategies to ensure a stable energy supply amidst climate change and rising electricity demands, as stated by the industry ministry.Key Takeaways
- New strategies for stable energy supply.
- Emergency headquarters for energy crises established.
- Safety standards for hydrogen technologies to be developed.
- Enhanced safety management for renewable energies.
- Samsung SDI signs major battery supply agreement.
Seoul, March 14 (NationPress) South Korea has implemented new strategies to enhance its ability to maintain a stable energy supply in the face of climate change and increasing electricity and thermal energy demands, as announced by the industry ministry on Friday.
The government approved these strategies during the 35th energy committee meeting, marking the first revision of the national emergency energy supply plan in 13 years, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
The initiatives include the establishment of an emergency headquarters tasked with responding to energy crises when disruptions occur across two or more energy sources.
The ministry has developed manuals addressing various scenarios of energy supply crises stemming from rising electricity and thermal energy demands, increased uncertainties due to geopolitical tensions, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and ongoing climate change.
Additionally, the ministry stated that it has put forth plans to enhance the safe management of gas and electricity to mitigate related accidents.
These plans mandate the government to formulate new safety standards for hydrogen technologies and expand infrastructure supportive of the hydrogen economy.
Strengthened oversight will also be implemented on electricity safety management for multipurpose and industrial facilities, along with improved safety measures for renewable energy sources, including solar and wind.
"We will persist in innovating the safety management system in accordance with changing conditions in the gas and electricity sectors, such as the rise of the hydrogen economy and increasing electricity demands in advanced industries, ensuring that the public can utilize energy with confidence," stated Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun.
In related news, Samsung SDI, a leading battery manufacturer in South Korea, announced on Friday that it has entered into a 437.4 billion-won (US$300.5 million) agreement to provide energy storage solution (ESS) batteries to U.S. energy company NextEra Energy Inc.
This agreement is reportedly part of a larger ESS supply contract established between the two firms in July, which is estimated to be worth up to 1 trillion won.
