Amid record-breaking heat, maximum power demand reached 95.321 GW on August 7, marking the highest level this summer and the fifth highest on record. The supply reserve ratio fell to 9%, dipping below the typically stable threshold of 10%.
This challenge is not limited to this year. As climate change progresses, heat waves and tropical nights are likely to become more frequent and prolonged. The current extreme heat is not just a seasonal issue but signals a structural risk that could recur for decades. The overlap of peak power demand with heat waves may become a new normal. Additionally, the power demand from artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced manufacturing is rapidly increasing. It is time to redesign the power grid to accommodate not only historical average demand but also the impacts of extreme weather and changes in industrial structure.
AI data centers and semiconductor factories require stable power around the clock. Simply having enough electricity is not sufficient; stability in voltage and frequency, the risk of outages, and power quality all influence corporate investment decisions. This is why the competitiveness of AI is directly linked to power reliability.
The spatial structure of the national power grid needs to be reconfigured. Currently, it resembles a centralized system where power generated at large plants is sent to consumption areas like the capital region. A strategy to distribute the concentrated power demand in the capital region to other areas is necessary. Placing AI data centers and advanced industrial complexes in regions with favorable power generation conditions, and developing power sources in conjunction with industrial parks, should be actively considered. This approach can enhance both regional balanced development and power grid stability. When determining the location of industrial complexes, factors such as land, water, and transportation should be considered alongside the amount of power that can be secured and the transmission network available in 20 years.
To respond to climate change, the flexibility of the power grid must also be increased. As the share of variable renewable energy sources like solar and wind grows, the fluctuations in power generation will become more pronounced. To mitigate this, expanding energy storage systems (ESS) and actively utilizing demand response (DR) and smart grids are essential. A system must be established to store electricity when production is high and draw it during peak demand periods. Connecting electric vehicles and industrial equipment to the power grid can create a new system where consumers participate in managing power supply and demand.
The transmission network should be constructed proactively based on long-term demand forecasts. Institutional improvements are essential to resolve community acceptance and permitting issues. The power grid must be defined as a critical national infrastructure, with a system in place to quickly resolve conflicts that arise during project implementation. The composition of power sources should also combine the advantages of nuclear, renewable, gas generation, and ESS to ensure both stability and economic efficiency. The key is the ability to reliably supply the necessary amount of power whenever and wherever it is needed. This is why national industrial policy and power policy cannot be viewed separately.
The government claims it has secured sufficient supply capacity and additional reserve resources for this summer. However, successfully navigating this summer's challenges and preparing for decades of future power demand are entirely different issues. As heat waves recur and the AI industry grows, the likelihood of breaking new records for maximum power demand increases. The power grid is a national infrastructure that will be used for decades once established. What is needed now is not a temporary fix to get through this year's crisis, but a comprehensive redesign of the national power supply network that can withstand climate change and industrial transformation.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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