South Korea is one of the least energy-sufficient countries in the world. It imports all of its oil, and is the second-largest importer of liquefied natural gas, despite its knowledge of renewable technology. Thermal coal power stations are largely in the hands of government enterprises. These are unlikely to prioritize a peasant wanting to charge a torch.
Charging a Torch: The Impossible Dream
The government tried to democratize electricity in 2000. However, political controversy stopped the process dead in its tracks in 2004. People in remote areas are largely out of frame while the intense debate continues.
The generation mix is 66% thermal, 31% nuclear, 1.6% hydro, and 2% other including renewables . Hyerin Park successfully generated energy from tides. However, the regulator refused to accept her offer and left her with $300,000 debt. Now she is back with an intriguing way of charging a torch in a stream.
Why, oh why are the obvious things so invisible in the haze of comfortable, familiar carbon pollution? Could it be the public service and industry, using 82.1% of South Korean electricity are less interested in green? There are some plans to increase renewables. However, South Korea remains among the top ten, namely ninth, highest country in carbon dioxide emissions.
South Korean cities will come up with global warming countermeasures because the people are innovative. However, the people locked into rural areas face changes in annual temperatures and precipitation for which there are no easy answers.
The South Korean Government has ambitious plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and is a step closer to being a low-carbon based socio-economic nation. Perhaps they should give Hyerin Park a call. Their solutions may lie in simple practical things, like charging torches in streams.
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