South Korea to halt the operation of some coal-powered plants in winter

SEOUL, Nov. 25 (BNA) The Korean Ministry of Industry said Thursday that South Korea intends to stop operating some coal-fired plants during the winter in a move to reduce fine dust emissions.

Eight to 16 coal-fired plants will be suspended from December to February, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

Yonhap News Agency reported that the country now has 53 coal plants.

The ministry added that up to 46 plants can be ordered to maintain their energy production at 80 percent of capacity depending on the condition of the fine dust.

The plan is expected to reduce the country’s coal-related fine dust emissions by 52.5 percent, or 2,838 tons, compared to those recorded three years ago.

South Korea has implemented the winter reduction plan since 2019.

The ministry said it will maintain a combined power reserve of at least 10.59 million kilowatts during this period while making full preparations to avoid any power shortage.

Coal plants accounted for about 30 percent of the country’s energy portfolio in 2019.

FKN