The government is taking steps to establish a concrete path for the early phase-out of coal power by 2040. With anticipated increases in electricity demand due to the expansion of semiconductor mega-clusters and artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, the government aims to consider both greenhouse gas reduction and stable power supply.
The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment and the 12th Basic Electricity Supply Plan Steering Committee announced on September 9 that they will hold the 7th public policy forum on September 18 at the Korea Electric Power Corporation's Nam Seoul headquarters in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul, focusing on the theme of 'Measures for the Early Phase-Out of Coal Power by 2040.'
The forum will examine coal power reduction and phase-out policies and case studies from major countries, discussing suitable directions for coal power phase-out and key policy tasks for South Korea.
The current 11th Basic Electricity Supply Plan projects that coal power will account for 10.1% of total electricity generation in 2038. To achieve a complete phase-out by 2040, it is necessary to accelerate the reduction of coal power while also establishing alternative energy sources and stabilizing the power grid.
In particular, the government plans to review a phase-out path that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from coal power while ensuring power supply stability, reflecting the expected increase in electricity demand from the formation of semiconductor mega-clusters and the expansion of AI data centers.
The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment intends to incorporate feedback from the forum into the 12th Basic Electricity Supply Plan. Previously, the government held six forums on topics such as desirable energy mix, harmonious use of renewable energy and nuclear power, electricity demand forecasts, national electricity transition, and renewable energy distribution.
This upcoming forum will take place from 10 a.m. on September 18, combining an in-person event with online live streaming. Any interested citizens are welcome to participate and share their opinions.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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