On November 28, South Korea's Ministry of energy said that 15 coal-fired power plants would be shut down from December to February to deal with air pollution, and that the rest of the power plants were enough to ensure electricity supply this winter.
To strengthen air pollution control measures, in September, the South Korean Presidential Commission recommended that 14 coal-fired power plants be closed from December this year to February next year, and as many as 27 coal-fired power plants be closed by March next year.
South Korea is the fourth largest economy in Asia, with about 60 coal-fired power plants, accounting for 40% of the country's total power generation. However, some experts show that coal combustion has led to serious deterioration of air quality in South Korea.
South Korea's energy ministry said in a press conference that the capacity utilization rate of the 15 power plants still in operation should not exceed 80%.
At present, South Korea will suspend the operation of some old coal power plants from March to June every year, and limit the capacity utilization rate of these plants to 80% when the air pollution warning is issued.
South Korea's electricity demand is expected to peak at 88600 megawatts in the fourth week of January, and further increase to 91800 megawatts in case of extreme cold weather, the Ministry of energy said in a statement.
According to the Ministry of energy, from December this year to February next year, the power supply of South Korea is expected to satisfy the demand, and the remaining power generation capacity will exceed 113500 MW.
