The 3.2 MW of electricity to be generated by the solar cells can cover the annual energy requirements of 1,050 households, while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 1,683 tons. (image: Portland General Electric/flickr)
SEOUL, April 15 (Korea Bizwire) – Discarded railways and abandoned land near the tracks are being converted into photovoltaic generation plants.
According to the Korea Rail Network Authority (KR), unused tracks on the Jungang Line (Central Line) from Jecheon to Dodam and 74,045 square meters of nearby abandoned land were transformed to solar energy generators producing 3.1MW of electricity in 2012. This year, KR plans to add solar cells on 2,810 square meters of land to generate an additional 100KW.
The 3.2 MW of electricity to be generated by the solar cells can cover the annual energy requirements of 1,050 households, while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 1,683 tons.
An official at KR said, “By consulting with local governmental bodies and solar cell providers, we will expand our business of generating electricity from abandoned lands, for the efficient and eco-friendly use of state-owned assets.”
By Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
