South Korea to lower LNG tax for power generation

The ministry said in a statement that it will increase the tax on thermal coal by 10 won to 46 won (US$0.0412) per kg reflecting environmental costs of using the fossil fuel.

Meanwhile, the government plans to lower the tax on LNG to 23 won per kg from 91.4 won per kg.

Asia’s fourth-largest economy, which imports almost all of its energy needs, has favoured coal and nuclear power to generate cheaper electricity and to ensure stable power supply.

South Korea now generates more than 70% of its power from coal and nuclear, while renewables account for 6%, but the country aims to gradually phase out coal and nuclear power.

Under the country’s power supply plan, coal’s share of power generation will fall to 36.1% in 2030 and nuclear to 23.9%, but those sectors will still make up more than half of the country’s total power generation.

The revised tax is expected to go into effect from 1 April 2019, should the government plan be approved by parliament.

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/liquid-natural-gas/30072018/skorea-to-lower-lng-tax-for-power-generation/