Policies in South Korea:
South Korea: 10 year Forest Plans
With the aim of reforesting Korea’s bare forestlands, the first 10 year Forest Plan was enacted. Since then the concept of sustainable forest management has been incorporated into the plans.
Date Implemented: 1973
Status: In Force
References: http://unpan1.un.org/intradoc/groups/public/documents/APCITY/UNPAN009445...
South Korea: 3 Year Plan for Energy Audit
Expanding the energy audit program that targets energy intensive industries and buildings. Companies being audited will be provided with low-interest loans from a fund named the Fund for the Rational Use of Energy to implement the changes deemed necessary in the audit.
Date Implemented: 2002-2004
Status: In Force; Voluntary
References: National Communication to the UNFCCC
South Korea: Air Quality Preservation Act
Under this Act the government offers financial support for the purchase of buses, interest reduction on loans for expenses incurred in the installation of LPG stations and tax benefits to promote fuel switching. It has been revised to require the purchase of natural gas buses and other natural gas vehicles by government ministries, and to mandate the use of low or no pollution emitting vehicles. It also establishes limitations on unnecessary extended idling of vehicles in designated areas where it is frequent (terminals, garages, parking lots).
Date Implemented: 1999, revised 2002
Status: In Force; Mandatory
Targets: By 2007, approximately 20,000 urban CNG buses will be in service nationwide
References: National Communication to the UNFCCC
South Korea: Promotion Act for New & Renewable Energy Development, Utilization & Dissemination + Formation of Market Demand for Renewable Energy and Improvement in its Economics (Alternative Energy Act)
This policy constituted the initial framework for the development of new and renewable energy technologies. It aimed to secure cost-effective renewable energy by fitting the energy supply to the characteristics off the area and through cost effective business modeling. It encouraged the installation of waste-incineration plants to generate heat and power. It also promoted residential solar heaters, small hydropower plants and facilities to use methane gas.
Date Implemented: 1987, revised 2002
Status: In Force
References: National Communication to the UNFCCC
http://www.korea.net/korea/kor_loca.asp?code=E0202
South Korea: Asian Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate
APP partners Australia, Canada, China, India, Japan, Republic of Korea, and the United States have agreed to work together and with private sector partners to meet goals for energy security, national air pollution reduction, and climate change in ways that promote sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction. The Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate is an innovative new effort to accelerate the development and deployment of clean energy technologies. The APP has a number of projects in member countries designed to implement or improve new technologies, better policies, and mutual cooperation. In addition to renewable energy, the APP focuses on manufacturing sectors like steel and cement.
Date Implemented: 2006
Status: Framework Agreement
References: http://www.asiapacificpartnership.org/default.htm
South Korea: Basic Environmental Policy Act
This Act provides the fundamental regulations for environmental management in Korea. It provides a framework for all environmental legislation and measures - outlining the direction of policy and the aims of the Korean government.
Status: In Force; Framework Policy
References: http://unpan1.un.org/intradoc/groups/public/documents/APCITY/UNPAN009445...
South Korea: Carbon Neutral Program
Carbon Neutral Program, which has been going on in the countries like the US and the UK, will begin in Korea in order to cope with the climate change. The concept of ‘carbon neutral’ was introduced by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy (MOCIE) in Feb. 2008. ‘Carbon Neutral’ is a campaign that makes the emissions to zero through the reduction of carbon dioxide by calculating emissions in everyday life, buying an authorized credit, investing in new and renewable energy and planting trees. State- run organizations will have emissions targets starting this year.
Status: Planned
References: http://www.mke.go.kr/language/eng/main.jsp
South Korea: Clean Air Conservation Act
Includes industrial standards for waste minimization, a ban on the emission of toxic gases, and promotion of CNG in city buses
Date Implemented: 1990
Status: In Force; Mandatory
References: http://eng.kei.re.kr/05inf/05env_laws.asp
South Korea: Congestion reduction
Investment in new road infrastructure is expected to help alleviate congested urban traffic.
Status: Government Initiative
References: Second National Communication to the UNFCCC (p60)
South Korea: Design Standards for Energy Efficient Buildings
Separate building standards were implemented for buildings with particularly high energy consumption (large office buildings, hospitals, etc.). These standards require that these buildings expand their use of high energy efficient equipment and design standards in order to qualify for approval.
Date Implemented: 2001
Status: In Force; Mandatory
References: http://www.keei.re.kr/webkeei/enIssues01.nsf/0/6C2439DDEE0B943149256E08001C5AFC?OpenDocument
South Korea: Development of Diesel Cars
The government is offering research and financial support for the development of diesel fueled vehicles as they emit approximately 20% less GHG than gasoline fueled vehicles. It promotes technological development for post-treatment technology, diesel engine filters and catalysts.
Status: In Force; Voluntary
References: National Communication to the UNFCCC
South Korea: Development of Renewables
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy (MOCIE) invested in the research and development of renewable energy sources
Date Implemented: 2002
Status: In Force; Voluntary
Funding Information: Over KRW 71 billion
South Korea: Domestic emission trading
The Emissions Trading Scheme is being introduced in stages. The first stage involves a demonstration project, based on the baseline matrix scheme. Other industries like refining, petrochemical, and steel by electric furnace will join and create a new carbon market in the second phase. In the final phase, a general emission trading market will be established. The government will participate as a buyer to absorb the credit offered by the renewable energy and ESCO projects.
Date Implemented: 2002
Status: In Force; Framework Policy
South Korea: e-Standby Program
This program was designed to promote the use of energy saving products in the home and office that decrease standby power consumption. The products that meet the energy saving standard set by the government are entitled to bear the Energy Saving Label (http://www.kemco.or.kr/english/energyboy.gif). Products covered include computers, monitors, printers, fax machines, copiers, TVs, DVD players, and microwaves.
Status: In Force; Voluntary
References: http://www.kemco.or.kr/english/sub03_energyefficiency00.asp?defmenu=3
South Korea: Energy Efficiency Standards and Labeling for Buildings
Under this program, newly built or repaired multi-dwelling units are classified (grades 1-3) according to their use of energy conservation equipment and materials. Buildings that rate above a certain standard are awarded a Certificate of Building Energy Efficiency and can qualify for low interest loans for the construction.
Status: In Force; Voluntary
References: National Communication to the UNFCCC
http://www.keei.re.kr/webkeei/enIssues01.nsf/0/6C2439DDEE0B943149256E08001C5AFC?OpenDocument
South Korea: Energy Service Companies
Promote the expansion of the existing ESCOs with aggressive governmental financial support and incentives. ESCOs invest in energy utilizing facilities if it is unable to replace or improve existing facilities with more energy efficient ones. ESCOs finance the necessary projects and are reimbursed with the money saved from future energy cost reductions. The reimbursement of ESCOs’ investment is made by money saved with future energy cost reductions.
Date Implemented: 1992
Status: In Force; Voluntary
References: National Communication to the UNFCCC
http://www.kemco.or.kr/english/sub03_esco.asp
South Korea: Environmental Preservation Act
Replacing the Pollution Prevention Act, this legislation aims to prevent environmental damage. With the increasingly rapid environmental degradation in the country throughout the 70s and 80s, however, the Act was later divided into six separate laws.
Date Implemented: 1977
Status: Ended
References: http://unpan1.un.org/intradoc/groups/public/documents/APCITY/UNPAN009445...
South Korea: First Comprehensive Action Plan
This plan includes measures for voluntary agreements (VA), renewable energy development and raising sewage treatment levels, as well as 111 detailed measures, including support for energy service companies (ESCO) and expansion of forestation projects.
Date Implemented: 1999-2001
Status: Ended
References: National Communication to the UNFCCC
South Korea: Forest Fire Management System
The government has identified deforestation as a problem and is taking measures to eliminate forest fires, including instituting promotional campaigns for prevention and establishing preparations for rapid forest fire response.
Status: In Force; Mandatory
References: National Communication to the UNFCCC
South Korea: Forest Tending Project
The government is providing funding for this 10-year program to promote healthy forests and forest ecosystems.
Status: In Force
Funding Information: Initial investment: 646.9 billion KRW
Targets: By 2007 the Forest Tending Project will be implemented on 2,800,000 ha.
References: National Communication to the UNFCCC
South Korea: Forest-Land Management Law
This law establishes land use standards and deforestation policies.
Date Implemented: 2002
Status: In Force; Mandatory
References: National Communication to the UNFCCC
South Korea: Green Building Certification Program
The government issues certification for buildings that have the capacity to improve environmental performance and reduce energy consumption/GHG emissions. Certification is valid for 5 years, at which time an extension may be granted. However all building certifications must be renewed after 10 years.
Status: In Force; Mandatory
References: National Communication to the UNFCCC http://www.keei.re.kr/webkeei/enIssues01.nsf/0/6C2439DDEE0B943149256E08001C5AFC?OpenDocument
South Korea: High Efficiency Appliance/Equipment Certification Program
Under this efficiency assurance system, the government certifies products that perform above the set efficiency standards in order to encourage more widespread use of high efficiency energy equipment & supplies. An "e" on the product - what appears to be the same label designating ‘energy saving’ equipment - signifies its approval (http://www.kemco.or.kr/english/energyboy.gif). The program provides financial support and tax incentives for products that have been rated as highly efficient. Categories of products include induction motors, fluorescent lamps, windows, water coolers, pumps, gas boilers, transformers, vending machines, and LED traffic lights.
Date Implemented: 1996
Status: In Force; Voluntary
References: National Communication to the UNFCCC
http://www.kemco.or.kr/english/sub03_energyefficiency00.asp?defmenu=3
South Korea: Local Energy Program
The central government provides fiscal incentives and support to local government programs fostering the use of renewable energy technologies. These are aimed to help defray the high initial start-up costs of renewable technologies.
Status: In Force; Voluntary
References: http://www.un.org/esa/agenda21/natlinfo/countr/repkorea/HSetkorea04f.pdf
South Korea: Mandatory Standards for Building Insulation and Energy Efficient Designs
These standards raise the required insulation level by over 20% to minimize energy consumption. They expand the mandatory use of new high-efficiency equipment in building design and enforce and promote educational programs for energy efficiency in building design.
Date Implemented: revised 2001
Status: In Force; Mandatory
References: National Communication to the UNFCCC
http://www.keei.re.kr/webkeei/enIssues01.nsf/0/6C2439DDEE0B943149256E08001C5AFC?OpenDocument
South Korea: Mega Solar Project
BP Solar and S-Energy of the Republic of Korea aim to create a landmark endorsement project, the ‘Asia-Pacific Partnership Mega Solar Project’. The project is scalable from 10MW to 100MW over a multiyear period. As a distributed generator this solar project will bring value to the electricity network and local economy across the country in addition to the valuable technology transfer and accelerated development.
Date Implemented: 2007
Status: In Force
Targets: The project aspires to generate 120GWh/year of clean electricity, power 20,000 Republic of Korean homes, avoid 120,000 tonnes of CO2/year and 25MW of network peak upgrades, and create new skilled installation and manufacturing jobs (assuming maximum 100MW scale).
References: http://www.asiapacificpartnership.org/REDGTFProjects.htm
http://www.state.gov/g/oes/rls/fs/2006/75369.htm
South Korea: National Energy Technology R&D
The Research and Development Center for Energy and Resources (RACER) was founded as an affiliate of KEMCO in 1992 to take charge of managing R&D as well as financial assistance. A 10-Year Energy Technology Development Plan was implementedfrom 1997 to 2006 cover a wide range of renewable and general technologies. Also in effect is the 1987 Alternative Energy Development Promotion Act under which a Basic Plan for the Development of New and Renewable Energy Technologies was established in 1988. Currently, eight energy sources (solar, bio, waste, small hydro, wind, hydrogen, ocean and geothermal) and two related technologies (fuel cell and coal utilization technologies) are defined by the Alternative Energy Development Promotion Act as target technologies. RACER is responsible for managing research and development for new and renewable energy sources through selection, support, operation, evaluation and management of the research and development projects.
Date Implemented: 1987
Status: In Force
References: http://www.unescap.org/esd/energy/publications/compend/ceccpart2chapter3...
South Korea: National Intermodal Transportation Plan
Enacted in accordance with the Transportation System Efficiency Act, this plan was intended to maximize the benefits of intermodal transportation. The plan includes promoting a light railway system, promoting bus services in remote areas; and promoting traffic efficiency, (reducing heavy traffic hours, providing of mass transport modes). It also strengthens the government’s financial support to mass public transportation.
Date Implemented: 2000-2019
Status: In Force; Government Initiative
References: http://www.un.org/esa/agenda21/natlinfo/countr/repkorea/HSetkorea04f.pdf
South Korea: National Territory Plans
These plans aim to lead Korea’s development in a sustainable manner: planning and managing all aspects including traffic flows, energy consumption, population demographics, land use, food security and tourism, with an eye towards sustainability and the environment.
Date Implemented: 1972, current 2000-2020
Status: In Force; Mandatory
References: http://www.un.org/esa/agenda21/natlinfo/countr/repkorea/HSetkorea04f.pdf
South Korea: Pollution Prevention Act
Regarded as Korea’s first piece of environmental legislation, its revision included mandatory permissible emission standards and a discharging facilities permit system.
Date Implemented: 1963, revised 1971, repealed 1977
Status: Ended
References: http://unpan1.un.org/intradoc/groups/public/documents/APCITY/UNPAN009445...
South Korea: Promoting solar powered housing
In 2006 South Korean government agreed to help finance the redesign of over 2000 homes to use solar eneregy as part of an effort to promote renewable energy. Homeowners will be compensated for 70% of the construction costs. In 2005, 907 homes were renovated.
Date Implemented: 2004
Status: In Force; Mandatory
Funding Information: 42.6 billion won for 2006
Targets: 100,000 homes by 2012
References: http://www.mke.go.kr/language/eng/main.jsp
South Korea: Promotion of Compact Cars
To promote the use of compact cars, the government offers reduced or waived vehicle tax, and discounts on expressway tolls, public parking and other driving facilities.
Status: In Force; Voluntary
South Korea: Promotion of logistics standardisation
To achieve standardization at the government level, mechanization, automation, and consistent transportation for logistics activity, and compatibility and liaison between logistics facilities and equipment are being implemented. Furthermore, system improvements are being made through the establishment of standardized specifications which will ensure compatibility between logistics related facilities and equipment. To increase the standard pallet load efficiency, expansion is being made to the cargo space of medium-sized trailers. A Korean, Chinese, and Japanese pallet pool will be established in the future to strengthen international collaboration on logistics standardization specification. Furthermore, by establishing a promotional plan for nationwide logistics standardization policy, government institutions will set common goals to build a role-sharing system.
References: Second National Communication to the UNFCCC (p61-2)
South Korea: Rational Energy Use Act
This leglislation outlines the general provisions for securing energy supplies and stabalizing energy demands for the sustainable development of Korea. It requires the drawing up of a long term National Energy Plan every five years, Regional energy plans, and emergency plans. It allows the government to determine energy rations during a supply crisis, to proscribe energy saving measures or equipment as necessary, to order energy audits, or to instate energy consumption limitations on machinery and equipment and require them to be labeled. The legislation states the government’s committment to the development of new energy technologies - promoting institutions of learning and research in that endeavor. It also includes the Voluntary Agreements, a crucial part of the government’s GHG reduction strategy. This measure involves 5yr agreements negotiated between the government and the participating company, wherein the latter agrees to lower its energy consumption and its emission of greenhouse gases. The company sets an appropriate goal and the government provides financing, tax support and other incentives to encourage and support the company’s efforts. As of 2004, a total of 1,021 companies have participated in the agreement, covering the fields of steel, chemicals, textiles, paper, ceramics and the food industry. The companies that have joined the agreement are committed to reducing their CO2 emissions by 8,647 million tonnes of carbon (TC) in five years.
Date Implemented: 1995
Status: In Force; Framework Policy
Funding Information: As of 2004, the program has required 3,857 billion won of investment.
Targets: 1,225 companies are expected to join this program by 200
References: National Communication to the UNFCCC
http://www.unescap.org/esd/energy/publications/compend/ceccpart4chapter8... http://www.kemco.or.kr/english/sub03VA.asp; www.kemco.or.kr/kemcoplaza/pds_eng/pdsfile/VAbrochure.doc
South Korea: Rational Energy Utilization Plans
Every 5 years since 1993 Korea has made a Plan for the Rational Utilization of Energy.
Date Implemented: 1993-‘97, 1999-2003, 2004-‘08
Status: In Force; Framework Policy
Targets: 7% reduction of the expected total primary energy consumption in 2008
South Korea: Reduction of Methane from Agriculture
The government aims to improve planting and irrigation in order to reduce the emission of methane from agricultural areas. It helps develop technologies for measuring and reducing the amount of methane emitted from rice paddies and livestock management, encouraging cultivating patterns, water management, improving livestock manure treatment facilities and other changes that reduce methane emissions. It also provides information on fertilization and nitrous oxide reduction.
Status: In Force; Voluntary
Targets: The government aims to reduce the emission of methane in rice paddies to 90% of the level in 2000 by 2010 and to reduce the nitrous oxide emitted in 2000 by 95% in 2010.
References: National Communication to the UNFCCC
South Korea: Regulations banning idling of vehicles
Legislation introduced in 2003 gives local authorities the power to ban idling for an extended period in areas such as terminals, garages and parking lots. The ban is supplemented by a promotional campaign.
References: Second National Communication to the UNFCCC (p61)
South Korea: Renewable Energy Budget
The Korean government announced a plan to increase its renewable energy budget in 2006 as part of an effort to adapt to high oil prices and to encourage the use of environmentally-friendly energy sources. The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy, now the Ministry of Knowledge Economy, said that it plans to spend a total of 409.5 billion won on various renewable energy initiatives in 2006, a 26.3% increase from 324.2 billion won in 2005. 124.4 billion won would be set aside this year on developing new technologies such as fuel and photovoltaic cells and offshore wind turbines. In addition, 137.5 billion won will be earmarked for programs designed to make these technologies more available to the public. The programs include building solar-powered homes and a “Power Park” –a hands-on educational center where visitors can learn more about renewable energy sources.Date Implemented: 2006
Status: In Force
References: http://www.mke.go.kr/language/eng/main.jsp
South Korea: Renewable Power Generation Subsidy
Korea uses incentives and subsidies to compensate for the difference between the base price and the system marginal price for each new and renewable energy source. It is considering extending the incentives to tidal power, fuel cells and biomass technologies as well.
Date Implemented: 2002, extended 2003
Status: In Force; Voluntary
References: National Communication to the UNFCCC
South Korea: Stable Supply of Natural Gases
The government is aiming to secure a stable supply of natural gas for the power and transport sectors. It is making arrangements with gas producing countries in the immediate region and in the Middle East, and constructing pipelines and LNG terminals in major cities around the country.
Status: In Force; Government Mandate
Targets: the natural gas supply rate is expected to increase gradually from 58.7% in 2000 to 67.2% in 2005 and 73.0% in 2010
References: National Communication to the UNFCCC
South Korea: Tax incentives
The government offers tax incentives and low interest loans to companies to encourage alternative energy use. The plan includes measures to require the corporate sector to use more efficient energy sources in their production facilities by 2008.
Date Implemented: 2004
Status: In Force; Voluntary
Funding Information: $40 million
South Korea: Ten-year National Plan for Energy Technology Development
This policy aims to diversify Korea’s energy supply and decrease its dependence on imports with new and renewable technology, cleaner technology and energy conservation. It provides R&D support and fiscal incentives (4% loans for up to 90% of the capital cost) to renewable energy producers and research organizations. The main focus of the push is on fuel switching (using waste, hydrogen, coal liquefaction/gasification), and cogeneration, but solar and other renewable and efficient technologies are also included.
Date Implemented: 1997-2006
Status: Voluntary
Funding Information: The total R&D funding since 1990 amounts to 27,4 MUSD (16,2 MUSD from government and 11,2 MUSD from industry)
Targets: This plan aims to supply 2 % of the total primary energy demand with New and Renewable Sources of Energy by the end of 2006
References: http://www.iea.org/textbase/nppdf/free/2000/korea2002.pdf
South Korea: The 2nd Basic Plan for New & Renewable Energy Technology Development & Dissemination
To diversify energy sources and to promote R&D for dealing with the UNFCCC
Date Implemented: 2003-2012
Status: In Force
Targets: The objective of the plan is to attain a 3% share of New and Renewable Energy by 2006 and 5% by 2012. It aims to have 100 000 PV roofs and 70,000 buildings by 2012 (total capacity of 1,3 GW). More technically, it aims to increase the PV module efficiency from 12 % to 15 % by 2006, and to 18 % by 2010.
References: http://www.kemco.or.kr/english/sub03_R&D.asp?defmenu=5
South Korea: Traffic Demand Management
A range of measures were put in place by the Traffic Demand Management Policy, released in Jan 2001, including: variation in commuting hours, incentives for companies to run in-house demand management initiatives and increased investment in Intelligent Traffic Systems.
References: Second National Communication to the UNFCCC (p61)
South Korea: Traffic Demand Management Policy
The Traffic Management Policy includes measures such as an automobile numbering program, commuting bus operation, variation in commuting hours and reducing ‘traffic inducement charges’ for companies implementing Traffic Demand Management. Furthermore, chronic traffic congestion areas are being designated as traffic congestion special management zones, and improvements in signaling, marking, traffic and parking lot use are being made.
Date Implemented: 2001
Status: In Force; Mandatory
Targets: The rate of national roads with more than 4 lanes will be increased from 33% in 2001 to 50% in 2010.
References: National Communication to the UNFCCC
South Korea: Transportation System Efficiency Act
The Transportation System Efficiency Act outlines the guidelines for the construction of transportation infrastructure and management of transport systems. Korea’s major cities are required to establish mid- and long-term urban transportation plans. It also includes plans to improve mode sharing.
Date Implemented: 1999
Status: In Force; Government Initiative
References: http://www.un.org/esa/agenda21/natlinfo/countr/repkorea/HSetkorea04f.pdf
South Korea: Waste Minimization/Recycling
To reduce CH4 emissions, the government has provided guidelines for reducing waste at the production, distribution and consumption stages. It also promotes the recycling industry.
Status: In Force; Voluntary
Targets: The government aimed to expand waste incineration facilities to incinerate 30% of all waste by 2011, and to construct more than 70 landfill facilities to increase the sanitary landfill rate to 100% by 2004 (from 84% in 1998)
References: National Communication to the UNFCCC
