Moon Seung-wook Emphasizes 'Coal Phase-Out'... Urges Power Public Enterprises to Accelerate Offshore Wind Power 추진

First Meeting with Electric Power Public Enterprises... Discussion on Carbon Neutrality Response Measures

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Haeyoung] Moon Seung-wook, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, urged the smooth implementation of 'coal phase-out' for carbon neutrality and the speedy promotion of renewable energy generation such as offshore wind power during his first meeting with electric power public enterprises.

On the 10th, Minister Moon visited the headquarters of Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) and held the 'Electric Power Public Enterprises Meeting for 2050 Carbon Neutrality' with the presidents of KEPCO and six power generation companies, as well as the chairman of the Korea Power Exchange, to review the current status of carbon neutrality response and discuss response directions.

Minister Moon stated, "We must break away from the existing coal power-centered business structure," and added, "Please prepare in advance by analyzing the impact on the regional economy due to the abolition of coal power plants and providing transition education for workers at existing coal power plants to ensure an orderly and fair reduction of coal power generation."

He also emphasized the establishment of a power base centered on renewable energy. He urged, "Electric power public enterprises should more boldly transition to renewable energy," and "Please collaborate to speedily promote high-risk projects such as large-scale offshore wind power." He continued, "To promote investment in renewable energy, please ensure timely grid connection by making large-scale investments to reinforce the power grid and establish an optimal operation system for stable grid operation," and stressed, "Please strive for the prompt expansion of backup facilities such as energy storage systems (ESS) and pumped storage power plants to respond to the volatility of renewable energy, as well as the spread of distributed power generation systems."

He also called for efforts to revitalize the industrial ecosystem beyond power supply and transmission.

Minister Moon said, "Electric power public enterprises should take the lead in building a carbon-neutral ecosystem through proactive investment and demand creation," and "The restructuring of the power market, including the opening of leading markets and real-time ancillary service markets, should also be promoted." He added, "In the next 30 years, electric power public enterprises must fulfill their basic role of stable power supply as well as the historical mission of achieving carbon neutrality," and "Electric power public enterprises should actively participate in the government's 'Energy Carbon Neutrality Innovation Strategy' formulation process and devise concrete implementation plans."

Meanwhile, Minister Moon checked the preparation status of power supply and demand measures with heads of related power institutions such as the Korea Power Exchange, KEPCO, and KEPCO KPS at the Central Power Control Center of the Korea Power Exchange in preparation for the surge in power demand during the summer season.

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