[fn Editorial] Effectively the First Asian Member of the Powering Past Coal Alliance—Are There Alternatives?

The government has joined the Powering Past Coal Alliance (PPCA), an international cooperative body promoting the gradual phase-out of coal-fired power. While attending the 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30), Kim Sung-hwan, Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment, announced that the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for 2035 would be set at a 53–61% reduction compared to 2018, and simultaneously declared participation in the PPCA.
Joining the PPCA essentially means a commitment to end coal-fired power generation. Achieving the NDC inevitably requires halting coal power. Currently, there are 61 coal-fired power plants in operation; the government plans to shut down 40 of them by 2040, and will announce the closure schedule for the remaining 21 after public consultation next year.
Although the share of coal in Korea's energy mix has dropped from 42.5% to 30.5% over the past decade, the country still ranks seventh globally in coal power capacity. Coal remains a significant source of electricity generation. If the share were lower, it would not be a major issue, but closing coal plants without securing alternative facilities is not feasible. Otherwise, a power crisis could occur.
Alternatives to coal-fired power that emit carbon include nuclear power, renewable energy, and hydroelectric power. However, the government has canceled some planned hydroelectric plants and remains passive about building new nuclear facilities. While greater emphasis should be placed on renewable energy, there are inherent limitations given Korea’s circumstances.
Therefore, even if coal power is to be phased out, it should be done gradually after securing alternatives to avoid disruptions. South Korea is the second Asian country to join the PPCA after Singapore. However, Singapore has no coal-fired power plants to begin with, making Korea effectively the first Asian country to join. Neither China nor Japan has joined the alliance.
While joining the PPCA ahead of industrial competitors may win international acclaim, domestic realities are different. If nuclear and hydroelectric power are underutilized, the share of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and renewable energy must be greatly increased, which will inevitably drive up power generation costs and, consequently, electricity rates.
Setting the NDC reduction target at 53–61% was already excessive given Korea’s situation. The United States has withdrawn from the Paris Agreement, and China is only making minimal efforts. Korea is moving ahead as if it were a model country, but the burden will ultimately fall on businesses and citizens.
The only way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while minimizing the risks and burdens of electricity shortages or rate hikes is to expand nuclear power. The government should expedite the construction of new nuclear plants and extend the operation of existing ones after confirming their safety. According to a study, the five years of nuclear phase-out under the Moon Jae-in administration resulted in losses of 10 to 26 trillion won for the public. Yet, it remains unclear why a complete reversal of the nuclear phase-out policy has not occurred.