The Korean Energy Strategy Project (Minchener, 04-2008)

This report describes a study, undertaken jointly by the Korea Electric Power Research Institute (KEPRI) and the IEA Clean Coal Centre, to consider the issues for comprehensive greenhouse gas mitigation in the power generation sector of the Republic of Korea. The emphasis is on the identification of the preferable technology and policy portfolios for CO2 mitigation options for coal-fired power plant within the Korean power generation sector. The current status of the power plant mix is described, as are the existing plans for expansion. Under a base scenario, the expectation is that power generation will be dominated by the use of nuclear and coal, with some use of natural gas fired plant plus a very small proportion of renewables. However, with increasing pressure to control and reduce CO2 emissions, it seems likely that the Republic of Korea will have to adopt a different approach. An extensive modelling exercise was therefore undertaken to examine the impact of various policy measures on the introduction of future power plant in order to achieve significant CO2 emissions reduction. The results obtained are outlined as are recommendations for future activities that KEPRI might undertake to assist the Korean government in establishing a sustainable energy portfolio within the power generation sector.