Korea

Emissions Profiles

The Republic of Korea is the world's 38th largest emitter of methane. Approximately 47 percent of its anthropogenic methane emissions—15.7 MTCO2E—come from natural gas and oil systems, landfills, and coal mines. Unless action is taken, its oil and gas methane emissions are expected to more than double between 2000 and 2020.

Korea 2005 Methane Emissions by Source

Source: 2006 USEPA Report: Global Anthropogenic Non-CO2 Greenhouse Gas Emissions:1990-2020 http://www.epa.gov/nonco2/econ-inv/international.html Exiting Methane to Markets.

Experience and Opportunities for Methane Projects

South Korea's first two landfill gas projects became operational in 2003 and 2004. In 2002, the Korean Energy Management Corporation and Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with the U.S. EPA, assessed the feasibility of project development at the Cheong-Ju city landfill. The city is currently seeking investors and anticipates the project to become operational in 2005. In addition, a 60 MW landfill gas energy project is being developed at the Sudokwon Landfill near Seoul. This project, when operational, will be one of the largest landfill gas electricity projects in the world.

Committee Membership

The Republic of Korea has nominated representatives to the following committees:

  • Steering Committee
  • Coal Technical Subcommittee
  • Landfill Technical Subcommittee
  • Oil and Gas Technical Subcommittee

Korea Subcommittee Contacts.

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