Reducing Coal Power Generation in March... Ministry of Industry Expects 405t Fine Dust Reduction

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on the 1st that, in accordance with special measures to respond to fine dust, it will halt the operation of some coal-fired power plants this month and implement output restrictions.

In March, the ministry plans to suspend the operation of 21 to 28 coal-fired power units under the principle of maintaining stable power supply and minimizing fine dust emissions from coal power plants. For the remaining coal-fired power units (up to 37 units), output restrictions will be applied.

Especially on weekends, when outdoor activities are more frequent, additional coal-fired power units will be suspended compared to weekdays (21 to 22 units on weekdays, 27 to 28 units on weekends), and the continued use of low-sulfur coal, which emits relatively less fine dust, will be maintained.

By implementing coal power reduction measures in spring, it is expected that fine dust emissions from the entire coal power sector will be reduced by approximately 405 tons (35.8%) compared to the same period last year.

After the special response period for high fine dust concentration ends at the end of March, the ministry will carefully calculate the costs incurred from coal power reduction and review the necessity of reflecting these costs in electricity rates.

Kim Jeong-il, Director of Energy Innovation Policy at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, emphasized, "We will thoroughly manage power supply and demand and steadily implement coal power reduction measures to reduce fine dust so that the public does not suffer from difficulties caused by fine dust."

Meanwhile, as a result of the first coal power reduction during the winter power supply and demand management period, fine dust emissions from the coal power sector from December last year to the third week of February decreased by approximately 2,011 tons (39.4%) compared to the same period last year.

The ministry also stated that the winter power supply situation (weekday basis) was stably managed and maintained at a reserve capacity of 10.43 to 25.03 million kW (reserve rate of 12.9 to 35.2%).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.