In order to reduce fine dust, 69 percent said they are in favor of suspending the operation of 9 to 14 coal-fired plants in winter. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Nov. 19 (Korea Bizwire) – More than half of South Koreans are in favor of suspending the operation of coal-fired power plants in order to reduce fine dust emissions, even if electricity prices go up.
According to the presidential National Council on Climate and Air Quality and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s online survey of 2,000 adult men and women, 78.3 percent of the public approved of the implementation of the seasonal management system between December and March, when air pollution is at its worst.
The system will implement stronger-than-usual measures to reduce fine dust during the season when fine dust is high in concentration.
Furthermore, 73.5 percent agreed on the plan to restrict the operation of Grade 5 vehicles that emit significant amounts of pollutants in the city center.
Grade 5 vehicles are gasoline and gas cars produced before 1987 and diesel cars produced before 2002.
In order to reduce fine dust, 69 percent also said they are in favor of suspending the operation of 9 to 14 coal-fueled power plants in winter and 22 to 27 of them in the spring.
Along with the shutdown, 55.7 percent agreed to the measure to raise the monthly electricity bills by 1,200 won (US$1.03). Meanwhile, 20.9 percent were opposed to the increase.
When it came to the source of electricity, 57.8 percent favored renewable energy, while 22.9 percent preferred nuclear power, followed by 17.3 percent favoring natural gas and 2 percent choosing coal.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
