Korea Joins PPCA to Advance Carbon Neutrality with Local Government Initiatives
Chungcheongnam-do Province became the first Asian local government to join the Powering Past Coal Alliance in October 2018. Korea announced its membership in the Partnership for a Carbon-Free Coal Alliance at COP in Belem, Brazil, joining 62 countries to phase out coal power.
Minister Kim Sungwhan stated no new coal plants will be built without greenhouse gas reduction equipment. Chungcheongnam-do, home to half of Korea's coal plants, has initiated low-carbon projects, including hydrogen and offshore wind.
Gyeonggi-do Province, also a PPCA member, aims for 100% renewable energy by 2050 and plans to expand renewable generation to nine gigawatts. Both provinces have set ambitious goals for carbon reduction and energy transition, with support from the central government for job security in coal-affected regions.
