South Korea's Battle Against Air Pollution

South Korea's air pollution is a pressing issue, with the country's air quality worsening since 2013. The average South Korean can expect to lose 1.4 years of their life expectancy due to poor air quality. While public perception largely blames China for the pollution, with seasonal winds blowing in dust and pollutants, South Korea's reliance on coal-fired power plants and diesel fuel is also a major contributor. The South Korean government has responded to the issue by implementing measures to reduce emissions and improve air quality, with the goal of lowering fine dust concentration by 35% by 2030.

South Korea's government plans to close 30 coal-fired power plants by 2034

South Korea has been facing a severe air pollution problem, with the country's annual average ultrafine dust concentration in 2018 being the worst among the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) member countries. The country's heavy reliance on coal-fired power plants, which make up 40% of its electricity generation, is a major contributor to this issue. As a result, the South Korean government has taken significant steps to address this problem by announcing its plan to close 30 coal-fired power plants by 2034. This decision is part of the country's efforts to transition towards cleaner energy sources and reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.

In July 2022, the Korea Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced its plan to target the closure of these coal-fired power plants, with 24 of them being renovated as natural gas-fired power plants. This move is expected to help South Korea reduce its reliance on coal and lower its emissions. The government also intends to replace turbines at several plants to enhance power efficiency and expand the capacity of circulation pumps, further contributing to emission reduction. Additionally, the country will bring additional solar and wind power resources online in the next five years to meet its emissions reduction targets.

South Korea's commitment to addressing air pollution is evident in its allocation of resources. The air pollution control market in South Korea was valued at $4.8 billion in 2020, demonstrating the country's dedication to tackling this issue. The government has also taken regulatory measures by enforcing limits on 11 air pollutants and 32 hazardous air substances. These substances are monitored and regulated under the Clean Air Conservation Act, which is constantly revised to incorporate new provisions, such as those for low-emission vehicles.

The decision to close the coal-fired power plants is aligned with South Korea's pledge at the Paris climate summit to reduce emissions by 37% by 2030. The country's energy ministry has acknowledged the concerns over fine dust levels and has taken steps to address them. By shutting down old coal-fired power plants and restricting the addition of new ones, South Korea aims to lower the share of coal power in its energy mix. This shift away from coal is expected to have a positive impact on the country's air quality and public health.

The closure of these coal-fired power plants is a significant step towards improving air quality in South Korea. It demonstrates the government's recognition of the problem and its commitment to taking decisive action. By transitioning to cleaner energy sources and implementing regulatory measures, South Korea is working towards reducing air pollution and providing its citizens with a healthier and more sustainable environment.

The Clean Air Conservation Act is being modified to strengthen standards for fine dust warnings

South Korea has been facing severe air pollution, with the air quality in Seoul, the nation's largest city, being the worst in the country. In fact, according to the University of Chicago's Energy Policy Institute (EPIC), the average South Korean citizen can expect to lose approximately 1.4 years of life expectancy due to poor air quality.

The two main sources of air pollution in South Korea are emissions from burning fossil fuels and vehicle emissions. Fossil fuel combustion is the largest contributor, with 38% of Korea's energy requirements coming from oil, and 29% from coal. The country's reliance on coal-fired power plants and diesel fuel is a significant part of the problem. In addition, a large percentage of pollutants are blown in by prevailing winds from China, with an estimated 30-50% of PM2.5 pollutants in South Korea originating from there.

To tackle this issue, the Korean government has been taking several measures. One of these is the modification of the Clean Air Conservation Act to strengthen standards for fine dust warnings and watches. The Act, which is constantly being revised, falls under the purview of the Korean Ministry of Environment, which monitors and regulates emissions of air pollutants and hazardous substances. The most recent revision to the Act, in December 2022, included provisions for low-emission vehicles to promote their development, sales, and use.

The government has also been enforcing regulatory limits on air pollutants and hazardous substances. As of 2020, there were regulatory limits on 11 air pollutants and 32 hazardous air substances, an increase from the previous limits of 11 and 18, respectively. In addition, the government is taking measures to retrofit coal-fired plants with carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS), selective catalytic reduction (SCR), and flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems. The Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy announced in July 2022 that 30 coal-fired power plants would be closed by 2034, with 24 of them being renovated as natural gas-fired power plants.

Furthermore, the government has been working to improve air quality through master plans released every ten years. The most recent plan, released in December 2022, aims to lower fine dust concentration by over 35% by 2030 compared to 2018 levels. This aligns with the enforcement decree of tightening air quality guidelines for fine dust, passed in 2018, which revised the standards for PM 2.5 fine dust to a daily average of 35 micrograms per square meter, down from 50 micrograms per square meter.

The Korean Ministry of Environment regulates 11 air pollutants and 32 hazardous substances

South Korea's air pollution problem has numerous sources, including emissions from burning fossil fuels, vehicle emissions, and pollutants blown in from China. The country's rapid economic growth has led to a heavy reliance on coal-fired power plants, which, along with diesel fuel, are major contributors to air pollution. The Korean Ministry of Environment plays a crucial role in addressing this issue by regulating 11 air pollutants and 32 hazardous air substances under the Clean Air Conservation Act. This act is constantly revised to strengthen standards and introduce provisions for low-emission vehicles.

The Ministry of Environment's efforts to regulate air pollutants and hazardous substances are part of a comprehensive approach to tackling South Korea's air quality issues. These regulations are essential as they set standards and limits on specific pollutants, allowing for better monitoring and control. By targeting these 11 air pollutants, which include hazardous gases such as oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons, the Ministry aims to reduce their presence in the atmosphere and mitigate their harmful effects.

The 32 hazardous air substances regulated by the Ministry are equally important to address. These substances, which may include hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) like 1-bromopropane and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), pose significant risks to human health and the environment. By regulating these substances, the Ministry can ensure their proper management, handling, and reduction, minimizing their impact on people's well-being and the natural world.

The Korean Ministry of Environment's regulatory powers are a key tool in the country's battle against air pollution. These regulations enable the government to enforce limits, set standards, and promote the development and use of cleaner technologies. However, it is essential to recognize that regulations alone are not enough. They must be effectively implemented and accompanied by other measures, such as investing in green technologies, promoting public transportation, and transitioning to cleaner energy sources, to achieve meaningful improvements in South Korea's air quality.

South Korea's air pollution control market was worth $4.8 billion in 2020

South Korea's air pollution problem is well-documented. The country's heavy reliance on coal-fired power plants and diesel fuel, combined with emissions from burning fossil fuels and vehicle emissions, has led to a significant increase in air pollution. In 2019, South Korea had the worst annual average ultrafine dust concentration among the member countries of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The situation is further exacerbated by dust blown in from China, particularly during the colder months when air currents are slower.

Recognizing the urgency of the problem, the South Korean government has taken several measures to address air pollution. The Ministry of Environment (MOE) has played a crucial role in monitoring and regulating emissions under the Clean Air Conservation Act. In 2020, the government enforced regulatory limits on 11 air pollutants and 32 hazardous air substances, targeting coal-fired power plants for retrofitting with carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) and other advanced systems. The government also plans to close several coal-fired power plants by 2025 and 2034, replacing them with natural gas-fired power plants.

The South Korean air pollution control market was worth $4.8 billion in 2020, accounting for 5.7% of the total environmental technology and engineering sector. The Air Pollution Control Equipment Industry made up 76.5% of this market. The market's size and potential have attracted interest from international companies, particularly in the environmental technology and consultancy sectors. U.S. suppliers, for instance, are exploring partnerships with South Korean companies to tap into this market.

South Korea has also invested in green technology and renewable energy sources to combat air pollution. The Five Year Action Plan (2009-2013) promoted urban planning, buildings, and transportation while also creating almost 960,000 green jobs. Private businesses have also contributed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by marketing green technology. A notable example is the $300 billion investment programme aimed at reducing dust pollution in the Seoul Metro system, targeting a reduction in average pollution concentration from 38.8 μg/m3 to 32 μg/m3 by 2026.

The public perception of China as the main cause of South Korea's air pollution

South Korea's air pollution is a complex issue with a variety of sources, including domestic emissions from burning fossil fuels, vehicle emissions, and power plants. However, there is a significant public perception that China is the main cause of South Korea's air pollution problems. This perception is not unfounded, as China does contribute to South Korea's air pollution to a certain extent.

On days of average air quality, it is estimated that China causes 30-50% of the PM2.5 pollutant in South Korea, but this number can reach as high as 60-80% on days with the worst air quality. This is due in part to the slow air currents during the colder winter months, which allow pollutants from China to drift across the sea and affect South Korea. China's rapidly growing economy has led to the burning of an estimated 4 billion tons of coal per year, which directly contributes to South Korea's air pollution.

The public perception of China as the main culprit is particularly prominent during the colder months when slow air currents create smog-like conditions. Rumors and complaints about China's impact on South Korea's air quality tend to increase during these periods. However, it is important to note that South Korea's heavy reliance on coal-fired power plants and diesel fuel also plays a significant role in the country's air pollution issues.

While China does contribute a substantial amount of pollution, it is important to recognize that South Korea itself has become a major source of air pollution. The country's rapid industrialization and economic growth have led to an increase in domestic sources of pollution, including emissions from vehicles, construction equipment, heating and air conditioning, and power plants. The Korean government has recognized the seriousness of the issue, and various ministries have taken steps to address the problem.

The Korean Ministry of Environment, for example, has been constantly revising and enforcing regulations under the Clean Air Conservation Act to reduce emissions and improve air quality. The Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy has also announced plans to close or renovate several coal-fired power plants by 2034 and implement other measures to reduce emissions. Additionally, the air pollution control market in South Korea is worth billions of dollars, presenting opportunities for environmental technology and consultancy companies to address this issue.

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