South Korean Public Acceptance of the Fuel Transition from Coal to Natural Gas in Power Generation

Abstract

South Korea has set up a plan to convert 24 coal-fired power plants into natural gas-fired ones by 2034 in order to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. This fuel transition can succeed only if it receives the public support. This article seeks to investigate the public acceptance of the fuel transition. For this purpose, data on South Koreans’ acceptance of the fuel transition were gathered on a nine-point scale from a survey of 1000 people using face-to-face individual interviews with skilled interviewers visiting households. The factors affecting acceptance were identified and examined using an ordered probit model. Of all the interviewees, 73.6 percent agreed with and 12.2 percent opposed the fuel transition, respectively, agreement being about six times greater than opposition. The model secured statistical significance and various findings emerged. For example, people living in the Seoul Metropolitan area, people who use electricity for heating, people with a low education level, young people, and high-income people were more receptive of the fuel transition than others. Moreover, several implications arose from the survey in terms of enhancing acceptance.