- 1Department of Environmental Engineering, Anyang University, Anyang, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea(airykpark@gmail.com)
- 2Department of Environmental and Energy Engineering, Anyang University, Anyang, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea
Air pollutant emissions originate from diverse and complex sources, making immediate reductions challenging. In South Korea, fossil fuel-based power plants are a major source of air pollution, particularly in the form of fine particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5), which significantly impacts air quality. To address this issue, the South Korean government has prioritized sustainable power supply and air quality improvement, focusing on expanding renewable energy and periodically revising the Basic Plan for Electricity Supply and Demand.
This study analyzes the changes in South Korea's power supply policies from 2014 to 2023 and examines the correlation between these policies and variations in air pollutant emissions during this period. Using government-provided data, we investigated changes in installed capacities and annual power generation by energy sources (nuclear, coal, LNG, renewables, and pumped storage), as well as regional air pollutant emissions, to assess the relationship between policy implementation and air quality improvements.
The results indicate a steady increase in renewable energy capacity and generation during the study period. This transition was accompanied by a decline in fossil fuel-based power generation and noticeable improvements in PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations in key regions.
This study highlights the potential for policy frameworks to reduce air pollutants through the expansion of renewable energy and the reduction of fossil fuel power generation. The findings serve as valuable references for future policy development aimed at improving air quality and achieving sustainable energy goals.
Keywords: Korea's electricity supply policy, fossil fuels, Renewable Energy, Air Pollutants, Fine Dust
[Acknowledgement]
"This research was supported by Particulate Matter Management Specialized Graduate Program through the Korea Environmental Industry & Technology Institute(KEITI) funded by the Ministry of Environment(MOE)“
How to cite: Park, Y.-K., Kim, S.-H., Kim, Y.-K., and Yun, H.-Y.: The impact of changes in Korea's electricity supply policy on air pollutants: Focusing on fine dust (PM10, PM2.5), EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-3375, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-3375, 2025.
