"The Leading Role in the Carbon Neutral Era is Companies"… President Moon Presides Over the 'Carbon Neutral Report Meeting' (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] President Moon Jae-in stated on the 10th regarding carbon neutrality, "The declaration was made by the government, but the main actors opening the era are the companies," adding, "The government will support the efforts of companies and become a strong pillar for carbon neutrality."

On the same day, President Moon presided over the 'Strategic Briefing Session for Leading Carbon Neutral Companies' at the Chungmugil Room of the Blue House and discussed the 'Carbon Neutral Vision' with the attendees.

President Moon said, "Countries around the world are striving to turn carbon neutrality policies into opportunities to strengthen manufacturing competitiveness," introducing the efforts of major countries, and praised, "Our companies have also been preparing for carbon neutrality by transforming their corporate structures into low-carbon new industries."

In this regard, he emphasized, "SK Innovation is shifting its investment focus from the refining sector to the core battery sector of future vehicles, and Hyundai Motor Company has declared a 2045 carbon neutrality goal covering all stages from production to operation and disposal, and has begun full-scale implementation together with its partner companies."

President Moon announced that the government will boldly support such corporate efforts toward carbon neutrality. He emphasized, "We will enhance the competitiveness of the carbon-neutral industrial ecosystem," adding, "We will increase tax credits for facility and R&D investments and activate green finance." He also promised to abolish regulations that hinder carbon neutrality and to reform public procurement so that carbon reduction efforts can be fairly rewarded.

Additionally, President Moon stated, "We will nurture carbon-neutral industries and technologies as new export growth engines," emphasizing, "We will support leading green technologies, including eco-friendly process EPC and carbon capture and utilization technologies."

He also pledged to provide customized support for carbon-vulnerable groups such as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-sized companies. President Moon said, "Carbon-neutral technologies are currently future technologies with significant initial costs and uncertainties regarding development success, which imposes a heavy burden," adding, "We will prepare tailored support strategies for the carbon-vulnerable and proactively respond to vulnerable industries and regional industrial crises that may arise during the transition period."

This event was held to mark the first anniversary of the proclamation of the 2050 Korea Carbon Neutral Vision.

From economic organizations, the chairpersons Choi Tae-won of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Koo Ja-yeol of the Korea International Trade Association, Kim Ki-moon of the Korea Federation of SMEs, Sohn Kyung-shik of the Korea Employers Federation, and Kang Ho-gap of the Korea Federation of Mid-sized Enterprises attended.

From the industrial sector, Kim Ki-nam, Chairman of Samsung Electronics’ Advanced Institute of Technology; Jung Ho-young, President of LG Display; Jeon Young-hyun, Vice Chairman of Samsung SDI; Ga Sam-hyun, Vice Chairman of Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering; Ahn Dong-il, President of Hyundai Steel; Moon Dong-jun, CEO and President of Kumho Petrochemical; Lee Hyun-jun, Executive Vice President and CEO of Ssangyong C&E; and Gong Young-woon, President of Hyundai Motor Company attended. From the energy sector, Jeong Seung-il, President of Korea Electric Power Corporation; Kim Eung-sik, President of GS EPS; Jeong Yeon-in, President of Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction; Lee Gu-young, President of Hanwha Solutions; Hwang Jeong-mo, Vice President of Hyosung Advanced Materials; and Jo Kyung-mok, President of SK Energy attended.

From mid-sized companies, Lee Dong-chae, Chairman of EcoPro; Lee Sang-won, CEO of Sang-A Frontec; and Kim Hae-ryun, Chairman of Taekyung Group attended. From small businesses, Shin Yong-moon, Vice Chairman of Shilla Engineering; Lee Sang-hoon, CEO of Uryong; and Kim Gu-han, CEO of Gridwiz attended.

At the event, based on opinions gathered from the industrial and energy sectors, the 'Vision and Strategy for the Industrial and Energy Carbon Neutral Great Transition,' which outlines mid- to long-term tasks and policy directions to be pursued over the next 30 years, was announced.

The strategy includes plans to completely halt coal power generation by 2050, with the closure of 24 aging coal power plants by 2034 and encouraging early reduction of remaining coal power plants through consultations with operators.

Meanwhile, considering the serious COVID-19 situation due to concerns over the spread of the Omicron variant, the strategic briefing session for leading companies was held with minimized external attendees under strengthened quarantine guidelines.

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