South Korea scales back biomass subsidies amid deforestation concerns
South Korea plans to decrease biomass energy subsidies following criticism of the role biomass energy plays in deforestation, but environmentalists say the reforms leave significant loopholes.
Victoria Milko reports for The Associated Press.
In short:
- South Korea, the third-largest biomass importer, will stop subsidizing new biomass plants and phase out subsidies for existing facilities over the next 15 years.
- Critics highlight that domestically produced wood pellets and some planned projects remain exempt, risking continued deforestation and carbon emissions.
- Burning biomass can emit more carbon than coal, and deforestation undermines forests' ability to absorb carbon, exacerbating climate issues.
Key quote:
“This extends the life of thermal power plants — many with emissions per unit of energy higher than coal — beyond the Paris Agreement-aligned coal phase-out deadlines.”
— Hansae Song, Solutions for Our Climate
Why this matters:
Biomass energy, often seen as a renewable solution, can contribute to significant carbon emissions and deforestation if poorly managed. Scaling back subsidies may push South Korea and other nations to reassess the role of biomass in clean energy strategies, though loopholes could undermine progress.
