Following the trial of a solar-powered air-conditioning system at Dobongsan Station last month, the government-owned transport corporation is set to introduce a similar system at Oksu Station next month. (Image: Kobiz Media)
SEOUL, Jul. 24 (Korea Bizwire) — Seoul Metro is using renewable energy sources to operate its air-conditioning systems in a pilot project at a number of subway stations, the public corporation announced last Friday.
Following the trial of a solar-powered air-conditioning system at Dobongsan Station last month, the government-owned transport corporation is set to introduce a similar system at Oksu Station next month.
While Korean subway trains are air conditioned, subway stations have not been cooled down – until now.
With the sweltering summer heat showing no sign relenting, however, officials at Seoul Metro revealed plans to begin operating air conditioning systems gradually throughout stations across the city, including train platforms.
As part of efforts to use renewable energy, Garak Market Station on Line 3 is using groundwater, which is thought to improve cooling efficiency by up to 20 percent.
Groundwater is also being used for the air-conditioning systems in the Line 5 section of Jongno 3-ga Station, as well as the headquarters of Seoul Metro.
Since the Moon administration took office, South Korea has been seen increasing its efforts to adopt renewable energy, with the president promising earlier this month to generate 20 percent of the country’s electricity with clean, renewable energy by 2030.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
