Air Pollution from Coal Power Plants Decreased by 60% in December Last Year Following the 'Fine Dust Seasonal Management System' Implementation

Ministry of Environment Announces First Month Results of the 2nd Seasonal Fine Dust Management Program

On the 17th, when the temperature in Seoul dropped below freezing again, a clear sky without fine dust spread over the city center as seen from Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] The government announced that the total emissions of air pollutants from coal-fired power plants in December last year decreased by about 60% compared to before the implementation of the Fine Dust Seasonal Management System (Seasonal Management System).

On the 19th, the Ministry of Environment disclosed the analysis results of the implementation performance for the first month of the '2nd Seasonal Management System,' which was implemented in December last year. The Seasonal Management System was first implemented from December 2019 to March last year. The 2nd Seasonal Management System, which started on December 1 last year, will be in effect until March 31.

In December last year, the nationwide average concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) was 24㎍/㎥, showing about an 8% improvement compared to 26㎍/㎥ in December 2019. It also decreased by about 11% compared to 27㎍/㎥ in December of the previous three years (2017-2019).

The number of days with 'Good' fine particulate matter concentration was 10, which is 4 days more than in December 2019. The number of 'Bad' days was 5, which is 2 days fewer than in December 2019. 'Good' refers to days when the nationwide daily average concentration of fine particulate matter is 15㎍/㎥ or less, and 'Bad' refers to days when it is 36㎍/㎥ or more.

Notably, emissions of air pollutants from coal-fired power plants and voluntary reduction agreement workplaces significantly decreased.

Analyzing 137 workplaces equipped with the Tele-Monitoring System (TMS), the Ministry of Environment found that the total emissions of air pollutants in December last year were 13,531 tons, which is 25.3% (4,571 tons) less than 18,102 tons in December 2019, and about 44.8% (10,982 tons) less than 24,513 tons in December 2018, before the Seasonal Management System was implemented.

In particular, emissions from coal-fired power generation in December last year were 3,527 tons, showing a reduction of about 34.2% (1,836 tons) compared to 5,363 tons in December 2019, and about 59.8% (5,254 tons) compared to 8,781 tons in December 2018.

In December last year, among the total 60 coal-fired power generators nationwide, 12 to 17 units were shut down, and the maximum power output of 26 to 46 units was limited to 80% (upper limit restriction).

Additionally, the total emissions of air pollutants related to fine particulate matter in December last year were reduced by up to about 31,857 tons. Direct emissions of fine particulate matter decreased by 1,557 tons, sulfur oxides (SOx) by 10,832 tons, nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 14,302 tons, and volatile organic compounds by 5,165 tons.

An official from the Ministry of Environment explained, "The operation of the slow-speed navigation system for ships and early retirement of old diesel vehicles are believed to have had a positive impact on reducing emissions of air pollutants related to fine particulate matter."

The Ministry of Environment plans to analyze and announce the impact of reduced social and economic activities due to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) on the reduction of fine particulate matter. They also plan to estimate the impact on greenhouse gas emission reductions.

Kim Seunghee, Director of Air Environment Policy at the Ministry of Environment, said, "Although the fine particulate matter situation in December last year was favorable, we cannot let our guard down as high concentration situations may frequently occur when the cold passes and atmospheric stagnation happens."

Director Kim added, "We will thoroughly check the implementation status of each task under the Seasonal Management System and closely monitor the domestic and international fine particulate matter situations to manage the remaining seasonal management period without any gaps."

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