The government is set to launch a pilot project aimed at flexibly increasing the transmission capacity of existing power lines based on seasonal temperatures. The initiative seeks to send more electricity during cooler seasons when transmission capacity is higher, thereby reducing the need for renewable energy output control and enhancing the utilization of the power grid.
The Ministry of Climate Energy and Environment announced on September 17 that it will implement a seasonal transmission capacity (SAR) pilot project in Jinan, North Jeolla Province, and Geumsan, South Chungcheong Province, starting September 19 for one year.
Seasonal transmission capacity leverages the characteristic that the thermal capacity of power lines changes with seasonal temperature variations. During cooler seasons, when ambient temperatures are relatively low, the amount of electricity that power lines can handle increases, allowing for higher operational capacity.
During the pilot project, the transmission capacity in the Jinan and Geumsan regions will be adjusted based on the seasonal maximum temperatures. These areas were selected due to concerns about potential overloads on power lines, assuming specific equipment failures or outages during the spring.
The government believes that by flexibly managing transmission capacity, it can reduce renewable energy output control in proportion to the increased line capacity. Maintenance and inspections of transmission lines and substations can also be conducted during periods of increased transmission capacity, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of the existing power grid.
Currently, South Korea employs a static transmission capacity (SLR) method, which determines transmission capacity based on unfavorable conditions, such as a temperature of 40 degrees Celsius and wind speeds of 0.5 meters per second. While this method is advantageous for stable power supply, it applies a fixed transmission capacity regardless of actual weather conditions.
As renewable energy generation facilities increase, there is a growing need to maximize the transmission capabilities of existing power grids alongside the construction of new ones. Seasonal transmission capacity is a type of dynamic transmission capacity (DLR) that adjusts line capacity based on external conditions like temperature.
In Europe, 27 countries, including Germany, have adopted dynamic transmission capacity methods. Most European nations adjust transmission capacity based on seasonal maximum temperatures, while some countries, including the United States, also consider actual ambient temperatures around transmission lines through an ambient temperature-adjusted transmission capacity (AAR) method.
The Ministry plans to verify the effects of increased transmission capacity and reduced renewable energy output control through this pilot project. It is also considering additional pilot projects that would adjust transmission capacity based on ambient temperatures using the AAR method.
Lee Jae-sik, the Ministry's Director of Power Grid Policy, stated, "This pilot project will allow for more efficient utilization of the power grid and reduce output control. We will continue to pursue various measures to secure the conditions necessary for expanding renewable energy to 100 GW in the future."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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