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South Korea Joins Powering Past Coal Alliance, Will Retire 40 Coal Units by 2040

Officials will consult the public to set timelines for the remaining units, with a closure roadmap due in 2026.

Overview

  • Seoul announced the decision at COP30 in Brazil, becoming the coalition’s second Asian government member after Singapore.
  • Membership includes a pledge to stop building new unabated coal plants, targeting facilities without emissions-reduction technology.
  • Out of 61 operating coal units, 40 are now slated for retirement by 2040, according to the alliance and government statements.
  • Closure dates for the remaining 21 units will be set based on economic and environmental feasibility through public consultations.
  • South Korea runs the world’s seventh-largest coal fleet and is the fourth-largest coal importer, as coal’s share of its power mix has fallen to 30.5% from 46.3% in 2009.