Reducing Fine Dust and Saving Energy... Additional 24,000 Eco-Friendly Boilers to be Distributed in the Second Half
139,000 Units by Year-End, Targeting 3.62 Million Units by 2030... Currently 620,000 Units Distributed
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Seoul City announced on the 16th that it plans to distribute an additional 24,000 home-use eco-friendly boilers, which have greater fine dust reduction and energy-saving effects compared to regular boilers, in the second half of the year, bringing the total distribution to 139,000 units within the year.
The additional support budget amounts to 2.52 billion KRW, and the city has lowered the subsidy eligibility requirements so that more citizens can benefit. With this additional distribution, subsidies can be applied for not only when replacing old boilers but also when replacing regular boilers installed before the mandatory installation date of eco-friendly boilers. Support also includes switching from central heating to individual heating in apartment complexes and boiler replacement in public rental housing.
Eco-friendly boilers emit only one-eighth of the nitrogen oxides (NOx) compared to old regular boilers, effectively reducing fine dust, and have 12% higher thermal efficiency. Households spending about 1 million KRW annually on city gas can save approximately 130,000 KRW.
Seoul City has been aiming to replace 3.62 million old boilers by 2030 and has distributed about 620,000 eco-friendly boilers from 2015 to July this year. This has resulted in a reduction of 1,239 tons of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and 118,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2). It also saved 49.22 million cubic meters of city gas, enough for 82,000 households to use for one year.
The application process has also become more convenient. Previously, applicants or their representatives had to apply by visiting the district office in person or sending by mail, but from the 22nd, applications can be made by accessing the online eco-friendly boiler subsidy application system.
The city plans to prioritize support for low-income households replacing regular boilers, private childcare centers, private senior centers, and other marginalized groups. Furthermore, under the city’s core policy of ‘Walking Together with the Vulnerable,’ this year as well, subsidies for eco-friendly boilers are being prioritized for 369 low-income households, continuing support for energy-vulnerable groups. Additionally, projects linked with companies and the Seoul Energy Welfare Citizen Fund will be continuously promoted so that vulnerable groups can replace boilers without any personal financial burden.
Meanwhile, in the metropolitan air quality management area including Seoul, homes and commercial buildings replacing or newly installing boilers must install home-use Type 1 (eco-friendly) boilers according to the Special Act on Air Quality Improvement in Air Quality Management Areas. In locations where installing eco-friendly boilers is difficult, Type 2 boilers certified by the Ministry of Environment that do not produce condensate (no subsidy support) can be installed, and existing boilers can continue to be used until replacement.
Im Mi-kyung, head of the Green Energy Division of Seoul City, said, “Replacing with eco-friendly boilers not only saves city gas costs but also effectively reduces fine dust,” and added, “Since the eligibility requirements for support have been greatly relaxed, we hope many citizens will switch to eco-friendly boilers.”
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