Energy & Climate Issues in 2017 South Korea
1. Nuclear phase-out pledge with social consensus on Shin-Kori 5&6
In the election on May 2017, many presidential candidates presented their ‘nuclear
phase-out’ pledges.
Newly elected president Moon Jae In ordered the temporary shutdown of eight old coal power plants during
the month of June and declared “nuclear phase-out” at the retirement event of the Kori-1 nuclear power plant.
At that time, he mentioned “entire review” of the nuclear power policy, but public opinions are divided.
Moon suggested social consensus process with a group of 500 people.
For the result, construction of Shin-Kori 5&6 has been started.
2. Renewable Energy 3020
President Moon also declared a pledge of expansion of renewable energy.
It is called “the 3020 project,” which aims to raise the amount of power generated by renewable sources to 20
percent by 2030.
The government will boost solar energy to 57 percent -36.5GW- of total green energy.
However, expanding renewable energy infers expanding of conflicts.
People, especially in a rural area don’t really want to have energy facilities in their backyard.
Moon government has a long way to go.
3. Emission Trading system
Energy plan was changed, so does Carbon emission target.
The government allocated greenhouse gas emissions rights for local companies for 2018.
It is approximately 85 percent of some 632 million tons of greenhouse gas expected to
be released next year.
Emissions Trading System in Korea was opened in 2015, but facing criticism of ineffective.
2018 will be another start of a new phase of emission trading system.