A local nuclear reactor was once again shut down for what appeared to be mechanical flaws, elevating concerns about the nation’s power supply situation this winter.
Kori Reactor 1, located in Busan, halted operation at 1:18 a.m. on Thursday due to “problems in its turbine system,” according to the Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Corp.
The number of inactive nuclear reactors in Korea thus increased from five to six out of 23, including Shin-Kori Reactors 1 and 2, which were involved in a certificate forgery scandal earlier this year.
But the temporary shutdown of Kori 1 will cause no immediate danger of a radiation leak, officials added.
The reactor had resumed operation for only 52 days since it reopened on Oct. 5 after a 176-day regular maintenance check this summer.
The 580,000 kilowatt-capacity reactor, which was launched in 1978, is currently the country’s oldest nuclear unit.
Though it was to end its 30-year lifespan and expire in 2007, its operation was extended by 10 years in early 2008, reflecting the nation’s rising electricity demands.
The unexpected breakdown raised an alarm over the nation’s power supply capacity, especially ahead of the season of peak electricity demand.
The state-run Korea Electric Power Corp. predicted that the total electricity demand this winter will reach its apex in mid-January. The demand is likely to break the previous year’s record of 76.5 million kilowatts and approach some 81 million kilowatts.
The maximum capacity of supply, however, is 80 million kilowatts, which means that the backup power reserve may become exhausted at any point during the peak season of demand.
“A meticulous demand management system is needed so as to prevent the nuclear reactor suspension from affecting the country’s electricity supply,” said an official of the Korea Power Exchange.
Oldest nuke reactor halted, raising power supply concerns
Paling popular
-
![solar panels my]()
Berita / Tenaga
‘Stranded’ solar a growing risk as capital costs rise, says Malaysia’s largest independent power producer
There is a mismatch in tenures due to the different expectations of bankers and data centre operators, say … -
![Singapore climate sector startups]()
Berita / Polisi & Kewangan
Funding for climate tech startups in Southeast Asia rose year-on-year in 2025
Singapore-headquartered startups and financiers dominateds regional fundraising, while in Indonesia and Vietnam, electric mobiity startups attracted the bulk … -
![Fuel pump handles at a gas station]()
Berita / Karbon & Cuaca
Philippines’ updated NDC delayed amid Middle East-driven energy shock, says climate official
Eksklusif As the Philippines prepared to release its updated nationally determined contributions in April, officials ordered further consultations after … -
![The calls for action come as Asia faces mounting climate risks.]()
Berita / Karbon & Cuaca
Asian leaders urge climate action as World Environment Day marked across region
South Korea, Vietnam and China highlight climate action as region grapples with rising temperatures and extreme weather. -
![Worker_Inequality_Poverty_India]()
Berita / Karbon & Cuaca
‘We are losing not only work, but survival’: India’s informal workers on the green transition
From blacksmiths to street food vendors, the country’s informal workforce fears it is being left behind by the … -
![Tun Mustapha Marine Park]()
Berita / Air
Majority of Malaysia’s marine protected areas at risk from oil and gas expansion, warns think tank
An estimated 97 per cent of the country’s biodiverse Marine Protected Areas are at risk of extinction from …
