Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy

Government Leading Efforts to Save Energy

A prolonged cold spell has Korea in its grip, and demand for electricity reached an all-time high last week. As the nation’s energy needs are expected to remain high throughout the winter season, the government has rolled up its sleeves and called for nationwide efforts to conserve energy. Public agencies are at the forefront of these efforts. The government looks at oil prices and reserve electricity to measure the disparity between supply and demand. On a scale from 1 to 4, level 4 indicates a severe energy shortage. Korea is currently at level 1. Government guidelines for level 1 prohibit the use of central heating for two hour-long periods per day during peak hours, and mandate that indoor temperatures be set no higher than 18 degrees Celsius. These guidelines apply to all the nation’s public agencies: government agencies, local governments, government-affiliated organizations and public enterprises. Officials working at these organizations are not allowed to use individual heaters during working hours, but instead are advised to wear long johns. If demand escalates, more stringent measures will be put in place. Level 2: Decorative lighting will be turned off. Level 3: Elevators will not stop at floors 1 though 5. Employees will be allowed to drive to work only every other day. Indoor lighting will be limited. Level 4: Employees will not be allowed to drive to work. Public facilities will close earlier than usual. The government will conduct unannounced inspections to monitor compliance and will publicize its findings. date2011-01-19

Vice Minister Celebrates Smart Grid Technology Event

date2010-11-18

Vice Minister Promotes Nuclear Energy for Green Growth

date2010-10-12

Korea, Malaysia Discuss Green Technology Partnership

Delegates representing Korea and Malaysia discuss bilateral cooperation on green technology at an initial working group meeting in Seoul on September 28. date2010-10-07

Minister Discusses Nuclear Cooperation With Argentinean Counterpart

Minister of Knowledge Economy Choi Kyunghwan shakes hands with Argentinean Minister of Federal Planning, Public Investment and Services Julio de Vido on September 16 in Gwacheon, south of Seoul. The two Ministers had just signed an MOU establishing a nuclear partnership between the two countries. date2010-10-01

Minister Promotes Energy Conservation

Minister of Knowledge Economy Choi Kyunghwan (center) poses with other dignitaries in Seoul on August 17 as part of an energy conservation campaign. Nearly 250 civic groups held various events to encourage the public to save energy—for example, by turning off the air conditioning for an hour. date2010-08-25

Minister Addresses Asian Energy Business Representatives

Minister of Knowledge Economy Choi Kyunghwan addresses the Asian National Oil Company (NOC) CEO Forum on August 24 in Seoul. The event brought together nearly 200 business representatives and government officials from nine Asian countries that play important roles in the global energy sector. date2010-08-25

Minister Tours Construction Site for Radioactive Waste Repository

Minister of Knowledge Economy Choi Kyunghwan (third from left) talks to a worker during a visit to a radioactive waste disposal facility construction site in Gyeongju on August 5. date2010-08-11

Minister Congratulates UAE Students on Completing Nuclear Internship Program

Minister of Knowledge Economy Choi Kyunghwan (center, first row) is pictured with a group of UAE students at their graduation ceremony from a summer internship program in Korea. The aim of the program is to prepare students for careers in the field of nuclear energy. date2010-08-11

Korea, Illinois Celebrate Collaboration on Smart Grids

date2010-07-23