'2050 → 2045' Chungnam Carbon Neutrality Target Advanced by 5 Years

Yang Seung-jo, Governor of Chungcheongnam-do, is presenting the 'Greenhouse Gas Reduction Scenario' at the launch ceremony of the Chungcheongnam-do Carbon Neutrality Committee held on the 20th. Photo by Chungcheongnam-do

[Asia Economy (Hongseong) Reporter Jeong Il-woong] Chungnam Province is pushing to shorten the carbon neutrality target year from 2050 to 2045, advancing it by 5 years.

On the 20th, the province announced a "Greenhouse Gas Reduction Scenario" in line with the launch of the Chungnam Carbon Neutrality Committee.

Earlier, the government declared nationwide metropolitan and local governments announced carbon neutrality by 2050 in May last year and this year.

In addition, the province has set a new goal to achieve carbon neutrality 5 years earlier. To shorten the carbon neutrality realization period, the province plans to focus first on a just energy transition away from coal.

To this end, based on 2035, the province plans to close 17 coal-fired power plants that have been in operation for more than 30 years without extending their lifespan. This includes the Shin Seocheon Thermal Power Plant, which began operation in July. By shortening the lifespan of Shin Seocheon Thermal Power Plant, a total of 13 plants will be closed or cease operation by 2045.

The province also envisions building an "RE100 (100% Renewable Energy Use Campaign) Innovation Belt" by 2030 and increasing green hydrogen supply by occupying 30% of the domestic hydrogen supply.

First, by mandating zero-energy new buildings, improving the performance of energy-intensive buildings, creating green buildings, and promoting green remodeling, the province plans to reduce building sector emissions from 2.3 million tons in 2018 to 300,000 tons by 2045.

In the transportation sector, emissions will be reduced by more than 96%, from 6.1 million tons in 2018 to 200,000 tons in 2045, with plans to distribute 490,000 hydrogen vehicles and install more than 150 hydrogen charging stations by 2040.

For reducing greenhouse gases in the agriculture, livestock, and fisheries sectors (from 3.5 million tons in 2018 to 1.8 million tons in 2045), the province will establish a renewable energy-based Green Bio Smart City and promote energy conversion of livestock manure and supply of carbon-captured crops.

Additionally, the province plans to reduce greenhouse gases through spreading a carbon-neutral culture in daily life, energy recovery from waste, expanding carbon sinks, and commercializing carbon capture, utilization, and storage technologies.

Yang Seung-jo, Governor of Chungnam Province, said, "Carbon neutrality is a global task that can no longer be delayed," adding, "We will strive to lead global carbon neutrality through a just energy transition and bold innovation."

Meanwhile, the Chungnam Carbon Neutrality Committee, launched on the same day, consists of 87 members including Governor Yang Seung-jo, Heo Jae-young, Chairman of the National Water Management Committee, experts in various carbon neutrality fields active nationwide, industry and academia figures, and representatives of civil society organizations.

The chairpersons are jointly held by Governor Yang Seung-jo and Chairman Heo. The committee’s main functions include deliberation and resolution of major carbon neutrality policies and plans of the province, discovering key tasks and monitoring their implementation, and education and promotion to expand public consensus among residents.

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