South Korea Faces Imminent Blackout Due to Power Shortage

A recent study has revealed that if transmission lines are not expanded and remain at the current level, a “blackout” due to power shortage will occur in South Korea within four years. The power grid expansion project has been stalled, escalating concerns that blackouts could become a reality.

The rapid development of the artificial intelligence (AI) industry has led to an increase in electricity demand in high-tech industrial complexes such as semiconductors and bio. Experts emphasize that the government should urgently support the expansion of the power grid at the national level.

Power Shortage Projections

According to an analysis of the baseline demand changes projected in the 10th Basic Plan for Electricity Supply and Demand and the power supply capacity of the current power grid, South Korea will run out of power by 2028 if its current transmission line volume of 35,596 C-km (circuit kilometers s line length × number of lines) remains unchanged.

The peak electricity demand in 2028 is expected to increase to 107 GW (gigawatts). The current power supply capacity is 104.3 GW, resulting in a shortfall of about 2.7 GW. This means that approximately 900,000 households could face an electricity shortage by 2028.

Long-term Projections

According to the government’s 11th Electricity Master Plan, released in May, the country’s peak electricity demand in 2038 is expected to hit 129.3 GW, a 38% jump from last year. If the grid is not expanded, the shortfall will reach 25 GW in 2038.

Experts stress that urgent action is necessary to address the impending power shortage and prevent blackouts in South Korea.