(뉴스) 2013.05.30 - Looming power shortage issue forces way onto national agenda
최고관리자 | 13-05-30 08:35
Looming power shortage issue forces way onto national agenda
The power shortage issue, triggered by the suspension of two nuclear reactors Tuesday due to the use of substandard components, is turning into a key national agenda as the country is expected to face the worst-ever summer electricity shortage this year. The sudden shutdown of the Shin-Kori Reactor 2 in Busan and Shin-Wolsong Reactor 1 in North Gyeongsang Province brings the number of nuclear reactors out of action to 11, which raises a severe power shortage issue. Korea currently runs 23 reactors, generating 30 percent of the nation’s total electricity generation. “The 10 suspended reactors make up about 10 percent of the nation’s total power generation capacity,’’ an official from the Korea Electric Power Corp. said. Considering the fact that Korea maintains a 5 to 10 percent reserve power rate and it takes three to six months for a change of parts or for a regular check-up, the power loss due to stoppage of multiple reactors at the same time could cause a blackout in the summer peak season.
* loom = 곧 닥칠 것처럼 보이다/ power shortage = 동력부족/ suspension = 정지; 정학; 연기/ nuclear reactor = 원자로/ out of action = (부상, 손상으로) 활동(작동)을 못 하는/ reserve power rate = 전력예비율/ blackout = 정전/ peak season = 성수기