'Coal Use Reduced, December Fine Dust Decreased by 36%'

December Fine Dust Seasonal Management... 426t Reduction Compared to Same Month Last Year
Up to 17 Coal Power Plants Suspended, 46 Plants Subject to Output Limits
Power Reserve Rate Maintained at 13.1~18.3%

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] The government announced on the 10th that it reduced fine dust emissions by 36% compared to the previous year by cutting coal power plant operations in December last year, the implementation period of the fine dust seasonal management system. The power reserve rate was maintained at a stable level of 13-18%.

This is the result of implementing measures such as the coal power generation cap, announced at the 95th National Policy Issue Inspection and Coordination Meeting on November 26 last year, under the 'Winter Power Supply and Coal Power Reduction Measures.'

Source: Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy

First, over the past month, operations were suspended for up to 17 coal power plants, and output was limited to 80% for up to 46 plants. It was analyzed that this effectively had the impact of suspending operations of 20 to 25 coal power plants.

Source: Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy

As a result, 765 tons of fine dust were emitted last month. This is about 36% (426 tons) less than the 1,191 tons in December 2019, and about 60% (1,139 tons) less than the 1,904 tons in December 2018.

Fine dust emissions were reduced not only compared to 2018, before the implementation of the fine dust seasonal management system, but also compared to 2019, after its implementation. Based on this, the government judged that the reduction in coal power generation influenced the decrease in fine dust.

Source: Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy

Also, the power reserve rate was maintained at a stable level between 13.1% and 18.3%.

Lee Hohyun, Director of Energy Innovation Policy at the Ministry of Industry, said, "Despite the record cold wave last week, stable power supply was maintained," and emphasized, "We will do our best to manage stable power supply and reduce fine dust for the rest of the winter, together with Korea Electric Power Corporation and related power organizations, so that the public can spend this winter warmly and cleanly."

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