Fine Dust Reduction... Up to 28 Coal Power Plants to Shut Down Next Month

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Haeyoung] The government has decided to suspend the operation of 19 to 28 coal-fired power plants for one month in March to reduce fine dust in the spring season.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on the 25th that, according to the 'Fine Dust Seasonal Management Plan,' it plans to suspend the operation of some coal-fired power plants in spring as well as in winter to minimize fine dust emissions.

Out of a total of 58 coal-fired power plants, 19 to 28 will be suspended, and a cap will be imposed to limit the power output to 80% on up to 37 plants. This is an expansion of up to 11 plants compared to the winter suspension (9 to 17 plants).

The government plans to suspend 26 to 28 plants on weekends when electricity demand is low, and 19 to 21 plants on weekdays.

However, considering power supply and demand or maintenance schedules, the coal power reduction plan will be flexibly adjusted if special circumstances arise.

Following the reduction of coal power in winter, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy reported that fine dust emissions from the coal power sector decreased by about 23% (519 tons) from December last year to January this year compared to the previous year.

Compared to December 2018 to January 2019, before the seasonal management plan was implemented, fine dust emissions decreased by 54% (about 2,054 tons).

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