Climate Minister Re-examines Energy Safety from Scratch

Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment Kim Sung-whan said on the 26th, “We will establish an integrated disaster management center befitting the newly launched climate ministry and conduct a fundamental review of safety conditions at all business sites of energy public enterprises.”

Minister Kim attended a safety management system inspection meeting held at the Korea Electric Power Corporation’s (KEPCO) South Seoul Headquarters in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, on the same day. He stated, “In the event of a major disaster, we will hold public enterprise CEOs and relevant executives accountable if their responsibility for safety management is confirmed,” adding the aforementioned remarks.

The meeting was organized to strengthen awareness of recent consecutive major disasters, including the boiler tower collapse at the Ulsan thermal power plant, and to discuss the responsible role of energy public enterprises. Participants included KEPCO, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, the five power generation companies (South East, South, East-West, West, and Central Power Generation), Korea District Heating Corporation, KEPCO KPS, Korea Electrical Safety Corporation, and Korea Energy Agency.

Attendees agreed to redesign all business sites into safety-centered structures. They plan to thoroughly inspect even a single warning sign at the sites and conduct detailed safety diagnostics for aging generators over 30 years old.

Additionally, monthly safety inspection meetings for energy public enterprise CEOs will be regularized to share safety accident cases and preventive measures, enhancing interagency safety awareness. To ensure safety during the coal power phase-out process, the five power generation companies will lead the development of on-site safety management measures.

Minister Kim stated, “The government will respond strongly to safety to prevent any further tragedies.”