First Meeting of the “Coal-to-Alternative Energy Transition Taskforce” Held
Vice Minister of Industry: “Considering Ways to Utilize Infrastructure”
“[Sejong=Newsis] Reporter Son Chamin: The government, local governments, and five power companies (East-West, West, Central, Southeast, and Southern Power) have started discussions on the transition from coal power. They plan to establish a ‘Coal-to-Alternative Energy Transition Roadmap,’ which includes strategies for reusing existing coal power infrastructure and minimizing the negative impacts on the local economy and jobs due to the transition.”
“The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy held a ‘Coal-to-Alternative Energy Transition Taskforce’ meeting on the 10th at the Coal Center in Jongno-gu, Seoul.”
“This meeting marked the first gathering of related ministries, local governments, and the five power companies to discuss the major issues necessary for the transition from coal power, following last month’s meeting between the Ministry and the new presidents of the five power companies.”
“They decided to formulate a ‘Coal-to-Alternative Energy Transition Roadmap’ that addresses reusing existing infrastructure and transitioning with minimal disruption to the local economy.”
“Choi Nam-ho, the 2nd Vice Minister of Industry, said, ‘Coal power has played a crucial role in national industrial development and local economic activation. However, given the era’s challenge of carbon neutrality, we are at a turning point where the phased transition is required.’ He added, ‘Let us together seek out ways to adequately utilize the remaining power facilities, transmission lines, and sites after decommissioning, while minimizing impacts on the local economy and employment.'”