Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment in Korea Pushes Heat Pumps, Triggering Alarm in Gas and District Heating Sectors

Heat Network

SOUTH KOREA: The city gas and district heating sectors are currently on high alert following growing interest from Minister Kim Sung-whan of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment in heat pumps. This eco-friendly technology leverages external heat to provide heating or hot water, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Widespread adoption of heat pumps could fundamentally transform the existing systems, which have been based on city gas and district heating for the past 40 years, creating a sense of urgency within the industry.

In response, the ministry has swiftly reorganized its structure. The former Hydrogen Economy Policy Director under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy has been rebranded as the Hydrogen and Heat Industry Policy Director under the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment. Responsibilities related to the heat sector, previously spread across three departments, have now been consolidated into the newly established Heat Industry Innovation Division, the first dedicated division for the heat industry. In addition, the government officially recognized heat pumps as a tool for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in August.

Source: Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment in Korea