[이슈] Ministry of Environment-2021 Carbon Neutral Implementation Plan

‘2050 Carbon Neutral’ scenario, confirmed after a national debate
Establishment of implementation system, such as establishing core promotion strategies for each sector and raising national GHG reduction targets
Promotion of tasks in each field, such as expansion of renewable energy… Improving the national status of carbon neutrality in the international community

[에너지데일리 송병훈 기자] On the 2nd, the Ministry of Environment (Minister Han Han-ae) announced the ‘2021 Carbon Neutral Implementation Plan’ to realize Korea’s carbon neutrality by 2050.
This implementation plan was prepared through internal discussions such as carbon neutrality and the Green New Deal strategy dialogue in order to present a clear direction for the entire government policy in relation to carbon neutrality in 2050, and to play a leading role in realizing carbon neutrality by the Ministry of Environment.
According to this, the Ministry of Environment is planning to establish a solid implementation system, such as preparing a carbon neutral scenario, establishing key promotion strategies for each sector, and raising the national GHG reduction target.
In addition, it plans to promote carbon-neutral projects in each field, such as expansion of renewable energy such as floating solar power, supply of accumulated 300,000 future cars, and circular economy.
It contains the main contents of the ‘2021 Carbon Neutral Implementation Plan’ of the Ministry of Environment.

▲ 2050 carbon neutral implementation system establishment

First of all, a sophisticated greenhouse gas reduction scenario will be established by June this year to suggest the direction of 2050 carbon neutrality.

A technical working group centered around the national research institute (Ministry of Environment’s Greenhouse Gas Information Center) is formed to analyze potential reductions and prepare multiple scenarios for 2050 carbon neutrality.

A permanent communication window with industry, civil society, and local governments will be established to collect opinions, and the scenario will be finalized through a national debate.

Based on the carbon-neutral scenario, the key policy implementation strategies for each sector of the ‘2050 Carbon Neutral Promotion Strategy (December 7th, 2020)’ will also be established with relevant ministries.

The core policy implementation strategy is a long-term strategy aimed at 2050, predicting the future and setting directions. To this end, the Ministry of Environment organizes and operates the’Carbon Neutral Research Forum (tentative name)’ with specialized organizations such as the Korea Environmental Policy and Evaluation Institute (KEI).

In addition, the ‘2030 National Greenhouse Gas Reduction Target (NDC)’ will be raised (24.4% reduction compared to the current National Greenhouse Gas Reduction Target 2017).

Based on the 2050 Carbon Neutral Scenario, the level of upgrade is determined through consultation and social discussion with relevant ministries, and it aims to submit to the UN within this government’s term.

The Ministry of Environment plans to establish strategies with relevant ministries for 11 out of 31 implementation tasks.

Looking at the main strategic content, the’Future Vehicle Transformation Strategy in the Transportation Sector’ will present a vision for the 100% conversion of pollution-free vehicles by 2050 through the supply and innovation of pollution-free vehicles, replacement of pollution-free vehicles for internal combustion locomotives, and a significant expansion of the charging infrastructure for pollution-free vehicles. Plan. The final strategy for the second half of this year will be prepared through research services and organizing an expert forum (March).

The’Road Map for Circular Economy Innovation’ is a mid- to long-term step-by-step implementation plan (roadmap) that includes managing the entire process of resource circulation, inducing eco-friendliness of enterprises to expand the implementation of the circular economy, and achieving a circular economy by sector such as water and energy. The final plan is planned to be released in the fourth quarter of this year after research services for the circular economy phased implementation plan (1st to 2nd quarter) and cooperation (governance) operation (2nd to 3rd quarters) to collect opinions from stakeholders such as the government, local governments, and industry. .

‘Preparation of GHG reduction and adaptation strategies based on nature and ecology’ is a strategy for responding to climate change problems using natural ecosystems, such as maximizing ecosystem functions such as expanding the restoration of ecological spaces, which are carbon sinks, and climate control. The final draft is prepared at the end of this year through research services and academic conferences by sector.

▲ Promotion of carbon-neutral projects by sector

Based on a robust implementation system such as scenarios and key implementation strategies, it is planning to carry out tasks for each sector such as energy conversion, future vehicles (mobility), carbon-neutral buildings, and a zero-waste circular economy.

First, expand the supply of renewable energy using environmental resources such as floating solar power, hydrothermal energy, and offshore wind power.

First, for 5 dams (Hapcheon, Gunwi, Chungju, Soyang River, Imha-8 projects), water photovoltaic development projects (capacity of 147.4MW) were implemented, and hydrothermal energy development pilot projects (8 locations) were also promoted for each type of source water. do. In the case of floating solar power, 2.1GW by 2030, and 1GW of hydrothermal energy by 2040 is the target.

In addition, to revitalize offshore wind power, the system for the entire process of environmental impact assessment such as’location discovery → evaluation consultation → follow-up management’ was improved, and the’wind power environment evaluation team (22 February 2021) was formed within the Ministry of Environment to develop wind power generation. Provides diagnosis (consulting) service for the entire process.

Support for installation of renewable energy facilities (68 units, 14.2 billion won) in basic environmental facilities (water purification plants, etc.), expansion of biogas production using organic waste resources (food, livestock manure, etc.) and supply of hydrogen using them (design 2 sites) ) Also promote.

Second, a long-term strategy for carbon neutrality in the transportation sector will be established by achieving the era of 300,000 pollution-free vehicles, building convenient charging facilities for non-polluting vehicles.

We will achieve the era of 300,000 (cumulative) pollution-free vehicles this year by raising the goal of supplying low-emission vehicles (15% in 2020 → 18% in 2021) and compulsory purchase of non-polluting vehicles in the public sector (80%).

In order to establish a pollution-free vehicle charger unit (infrastructure) that is convenient for the public, more than 180 hydrogen charging stations will be built within this year through special cases for excavation and licensing of new sites for hydrogen charging stations (referred to as permits upon approval).

The blind spot of electric vehicle charging (12,000 rapid units in 2021 and 84,000 units slower in 2021) will be eliminated by building rapid electric vehicle chargers at mobile stations such as rest areas and gas stations.

In addition, the’transportation strategy for future vehicles’ will be prepared in the second half of this year, and it will be confirmed through discussions between relevant ministries.

Third, allow public institutions to proactively announce a carbon-neutral promotion strategy (10 years ahead of the 2040s, carbon-neutral).

Green technologies such as integrated building solar (BIPV) will be applied to public buildings (Siheung Water Purification Plant), and spread to private facilities.

Fourth, the entire process of waste management will be reinforced, such as’reduction of production and consumption → expansion of recycling → prohibition of direct landfill,’ and a step-by-step implementation plan (roadmap) for the transition to a circular economy society in 2050 will be prepared.

The principle of responsibility for waste generation sites is specified in the Waste Management Act, and the grounds for the introduction of the’Waste Carry-in Cooperation Fund (tentative name)’ for wastes processed by other local governments are prepared within this year, and will be implemented in 2022.

In addition, a’Road Map for Circular Economy Innovation’ will be established in the second half of this year to realize a circular economy in all sectors of society.

▲ Adapting to the climate crisis and strengthening regional climate elasticity

We prepare adaptation measures to respond to health and natural disasters by mitigating the effects of climate change, and support the establishment of a carbon neutral and climate adaptation system centered on local communities.

Using a multi-satellite (Cheonlian No. 2), a scientific monitoring and forecasting base for climate change will be prepared, and the risk analysis due to the impact of climate change will be reinforced.

In addition to establishing a flood risk map for local rivers, the number of flood warning points was expanded from 66 to 75 in 2021, and a national drought vulnerability map was prepared taking into account the frequency and sensitivity of drought by region (population, industry, etc.). Establish a preemptive response system for floods and droughts.

Depending on the priority of climate change risk, a pilot project will be implemented to create a climate response infrastructure tailored to the region. In addition, climate impact and vulnerability assessments are planned to be reflected when establishing plans for local governments related to climate change, starting with plans under the Ministry of Environment this year.

Considering that the central government-led promotion of carbon neutrality has limitations in not considering local conditions, systematic support is provided to realize regional-led carbon neutrality.

With the aim of participating in the implementation of carbon neutrality by 243 local governments, local governments will be expanded to join the’Carbon Neutral Local Government Action Solidarity’, and joint participation in the’International Local Government Climate Action Proposal (Initiative)’ will be promoted.

The legal basis for establishing and implementing local governments’ climate crisis response plans and adaptation measures ((tentative name) Carbon Neutral Implementation Act) will be prepared, and comprehensive support for the establishment of plans and countermeasures will be promoted.

▲ Strengthening the institutional foundation

When implementing major national plans and development projects, an evaluation procedure has been prepared to consider the impact on greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, and the (tentative name) Carbon Neutral Implementation Act will be established within this year, and will be implemented in earnest in 2022.

In addition, in cooperation with the Ministry of Strategy and Finance, it will promote the creation of a climate response fund (tentative name) that will be used for corporate greenhouse gas reduction, support for vulnerable regions and classes, and research and development of science and technology to respond to the climate crisis.

We will raise the international status of carbon neutrality, such as the successful hosting of the’solidarity for green growth and global target 2030 (P4G)’ summit.

At the P4G event, carbon neutrality through green recovery, such as the Green New Deal, will be set as the core agenda of the summit, and the’Seoul Declaration (tentative name)’ will be adopted to lead the international community’s solidarity with the Green New Deal and Carbon Neutrality.

In addition, by attending the World Climate Summit scheduled to be held this year by the US government, Korea-US carbon-neutral environmental cooperation will be strengthened. In addition, G7 Climate and Environment Ministers’ Meeting (May), G20 Environment Ministers’ Meeting (July), and the 26th United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (November), etc. lead the response to the climate crisis.

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