K-water NEWS
K-water NEWS
1
Special Field Inspection of Dams in Preparation for
Erratic Rainfalls
K-water has activated its flood-season emergency system earlier than usual and embarked on a field inspection of dams at all the major river basins across the country. Amid the recurrent untimely hot weather and erratic rainfalls, K-water convened a company-wide emergency meeting at Seomjingang Dam on May 17 and conducted a field inspection of its flood-response system including the test operation of key facilities. As a proactive measure to mitigate the impact of the flood season, K-water will release water in advance and secure approximately 61 tons of flood-controlling capacity. This is equivalent to emptying two Soyanggang Dams with storage capacity of 2.9 billion tons as “water bowls.” In addition, the flood analysis system will be linked to the digital twin system to make it more advanced and sophisticated. The upgraded system will be able to analyze promptly the impact of water release from a dam on the downstream river for more effective and accurate flood control. K-water president Yun Seog-dae vowed that K-water would work closely with the government and municipalities to prepare for the flood season with a focus on ensuring safety and preventing flood-related casualties.
2
K-water, Export-Import Bank of Korea Sign MOU for
Joint International Development Projects
K-water and Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM) signed an MOU on May 9 for joint international development projects in the field of water resources. The MOU aims to strengthen cooperation for international development projects between the two organizations by capitalizing on the strengths of the two organizations, i.e., K-water’s cutting-edge water management technology and expertise and KEXIM’s global network. The highlights of the MOU are the joint development of international development projects, sharing of knowledge and competencies, and follow-up actions to joint development projects. Under the MOU, K-water will work with KEXIM on identifying joint projects and provide technical advice to KEXIM as needed.
3
K-water Launches a Prompt Response & Cooperation
System to Cope with Algal Blooms Proactively
K-water launched the 2024 Algal Bloom Response Team on May 14 to cope with growing algal blooms due to unusually high temperatures. This year, more algal blooms are expected to occur as there have been frequent rainfalls since spring and abnormally high temperatures persist. K-water conducted an inspection of dams and embankments earlier than usual in an effort to reduce pollutants around rivers and lakes. The team was organized to create a company-wide cooperation system for seamless, swift response to algal blooms and manage the entire cycle effectively from prevention and intensive removal of algal blooms to enhancement of water safety through the sophistication of the water collection and purification processes.
4
Energy Cooperation with the Republic of Kyrgyzstan
A group of senior officials of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan including the Minister of Energy met with K-water president Yun Seog-dae during their visit to Korea. The key meeting agenda included greenhouse gas emission reduction projects such as small hydropower development that K-water is currently working on in Kyrgyzstan, greater connection to ODA projects, and large hydropower development.
They also suggested that K-water participate in the construction of Kambarata I Dam that will serve as a key water source for major countries in Central Asia. In this context, they requested that K-water join the International Energy Investment Forum scheduled for June in Austria, where the Kyrgyzstan government will hold an information session on the Kambarata I Dam project. Building upon its extensive experiences and technological knowhow in the field of hydroelectric power generation and other renewable energy, K-water plans to expand cooperation with Kyrgyzstan so that it can help the country deal with power shortages and water issues caused by climate change.
5
K-water’s Cooperation with Cambodia in the
Water-Energy-City Nexus Gains Fresh Momentum
After Korea and Cambodia agreed to establish a strategic partnership during the recent summit, K-water started to take follow-up actions. Prime Minister Hun Manet of Cambodia and K-water president Yun Seog-dae discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in water, energy, and urban development at a meeting held on May 17. During the meeting, Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed keen interest when Yun suggested that the two parties expand cooperation for “integrated national water management and new prosperity.” K-water presented a comprehensive water resources management plan for Cambodia, which is designed to work out water issues involving the Mekong River basin, and Prime Minister Hun Manet spoke highly of K-water’s technological prowess as demonstrated in the plan.
6
K-water to Build Water Supply Infrastructure in Nusantara, Indonesia
K-water and Indonesia's Ministry of Public Works and Housing signed an agreement for the early launch of the project to build carbon-neutral water supply infrastructure in Nusantara on May 21 at the 10th World Water Forum held in Bali, Indonesia. Under the project, K-water will build a water purification plant capable of supplying 30,000 m3 of residential water a day in Nusantara, the new capital of Indonesia. The new water purification plant will provide clean water to around 200,000 citizens moving in to a key district of Nusantara where government agencies and public organizations will relocate.