South Korea changes course: Major coal player in Asia moves towards clean energy

South Korea announced a major shift at the COP30 summit in Belém. It joined the Powering Past Coal Alliance (PPCA), a global alliance that advocates ending coal-fired power generation. For a country with the world’s seventh-largest installed coal capacity, this is a historic step and a clear signal to the world that it wants to accelerate the transition to clean energy.

Coal still accounts for a large share of South Korea’s energy mix. In 2024, it accounted for 30.5% of electricity generation, down from 42.5% in 2015. South Korea operates 61 coal-fired units, several of which were commissioned recently. By joining the PPCA, however, the country is changing the rules: the government will no longer build new coal-fired power plants and will begin closing existing ones. It plans to retire 40 units by 2040. The fate of the remaining 21 will be decided following public debate and an economic and environmental feasibility study. A detailed timetable will be presented next year.

Climate, Energy and Environment Minister Kim Sung-hwan stressed that this step will set in motion a “just transition to clean energy”. South Korea wants to strengthen its energy security, reduce its dependence on imported coal and make room for modern industries that will create thousands of new jobs. The country currently imports almost all of its coal and is one of the world’s four largest importers. The transition to renewables also promises significant financial savings.

The shift also has the support of domestic businesses. According to a recent survey, 99% of South Korean executives want renewable electricity, and 92% are calling for an end to coal within ten years. Clean energy is thus becoming a prerequisite for companies’ continued growth and investment.

The move also strengthens the wider Asia-Pacific region. South Korea could play a key role in accelerating the shift away from coal in neighbouring countries, too. The PPCA has now presented a plan offering specific tools and recommendations. It aims to help the country move quickly while also being mindful of workers and communities that have so far depended on coal.