Yesterday, the government announced the 1st National Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth Basic Plan (2023-2042), which lowered the target for greenhouse gas reduction in the industrial sector by 2030 by 3.1 percentage points from 14.5% to 11.4% compared to 2018. This is the implementation plan of the Yoon Seok-yeol administration for the NDC (National Greenhouse Gas Reduction Target) announced two years ago by the Moon Jae-in administration to reduce domestic greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030 compared to 2018. The 2050 Carbon Neutral Green Growth Committee increased the amount of greenhouse gases that can be emitted by the industrial sector in 2030 compared to 2018 from 222.6 million tons (carbon dioxide equivalent) to 230.7 million tons. It is a reasonable decision considering the industrial structure centered on manufacturing, such as semiconductors, steel, and petrochemicals.
Instead, the reduction target for energy conversion such as nuclear power and renewable energy through the disposal of the nuclear power plant policy was raised from 44.4% to 45.9% compared to 2018, and the reduction in the industrial sector was increased by increasing the proportion of carbon dioxide capture, storage and utilization (CCUS). plans to offset the The proportion of nuclear power generation, which is 27.4% as of 2021, will be increased to 32.4% in 2030, and the proportion of new and renewable energy generation will be increased from 7.5% to ‘21.6% + α’. It is said that by investing in foreign eco-friendly projects, international reductions recognized for greenhouse gas reduction will also increase.
NDC 40% is still higher than the lower limit of 35% specified in the Framework Act on Carbon Neutral Green Growth. Greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced by 4.17% annually, which is excessive even compared to the US and UK (2.81%), the European Union (1.98%) and Japan (3.56%). It is true that the goals pushed forward by the previous administration while ignoring the realities of the industry raised concerns that it could lead to industrial collapse and job loss. Even so, reducing greenhouse gas emissions is an irresistible task of the times. Didn’t the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warn the day before yesterday that the global average temperature would rise by 1.5 degrees before 2040 even if the NDC was normally promoted?
NDC 40% must be achieved at all costs. It is desirable that economic organizations such as the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry responded by saying, “The reduction target is challenging, but we will actively participate.” The government said it would invest 89.9 trillion won by 2027 in the development of core technologies for the carbon-neutral industry, zero energy and green remodeling. It shouldn’t stop here. In addition to investing in research and development (R&D) facilities, it is also necessary to actively engage in regulatory improvement and tax support. It is problematic to hold a public hearing only on the 22nd, three days before the statutory deadline. Since the issue has a huge impact on the national economy, sufficient discussion and public opinion should be held even if it is somewhat late.
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