OMNI Features｜South Korea Plans to Achieve 70% Carbon-Free Power Generation by 2038．Research Team State that Cleaner Marine Fuel Reducing SO2 Emissions Leads to Ocean Warming．Enhancing the Quality of Sustainability Report Disclosures - Listed Companies to be Reviewed Every 5 Years

｜South Korea Plans to Achieve 70% Carbon-Free Power Generation by 2038
South Korea aims to achieve 70% carbon-free power generation by 2038, a significant increase from the current level of less than 40% in 2023. According to a recently announced draft of the energy structure for the next 15 years, the plan to add four new nuclear power plants by 2038 remains unchanged, bringing the total number of nuclear power plants to 30. Additionally, the generation capacity from solar and wind energy is expected to rise from 23 GW in 2022 to 72 GW by 2030, more than tripling the current capacity.

｜Research Team State that Cleaner Marine Fuel Reducing SO2 Emissions Leads to Ocean Warming
A research team led by Tianle Yuan at the University of Maryland, has indicated that the 2020 regulations established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to address marine pollution have compelled shipping companies to reduce the sulfur content in fuel from 3.5% to 0.5%, resulting in an 80% decrease in SO2 emissions. However, in addition to being a major pollutant, SO2 also forms aerosols that thicken and brighten clouds, reflecting sunlight back into space and masking global warming. The introduction of marine fuel regulations has significantly reduced SO2 pollution, but may also have led to an increase in average sea temperature due to reduced cloud cover.

｜Enhancing the Quality of Sustainability Report Disclosures - Listed Companies to be Reviewed Every 5 Years
To enhance the quality of sustainability report disclosures and in response to recent significant labor and environmental safety incidents among listed companies, the Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) has directed the stock exchanges and OTC market to continuously broaden and deepen the review of sustainability reports. For instance, by considering the industry characteristics of listed companies and adopting a risk-based approach, specific companies will be selected for in-depth audits. Listed companies will be chosen for such audits at least once every 5 years.

Reference: Reuters｜udn.com