Seoul: South Korea is expected to maintain a stable electricity supply this winter, as weather conditions and temperatures are forecast to align with average levels, the industry ministry said Thursday. The outlook is based on the country’s power supply capacity of 110.2 gigawatts, which allows for a reserve margin of 12.4 GW, even under extreme scenarios where peak demand is projected to reach 97.8 GW, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the supply capacity marks a record high level, up 5 GW from the previous year. The ministry, however, noted the possibility of an abrupt surge in power demand due to a cold wave. Of the 24 nuclear reactors in the country, the ministry said 23 will be in normal operation during the winter season, allowing the country to maintain a stable supply of electricity.

The ministry also indicated that starting Monday through February 21, the government plans to closely monitor the supply and demand of energy. In case of an emerge
ncy, reserve assets will be immediately utilized to manage the supply stably.