Koreans confront their oil addiction

On the grounds of a government-subsidized research complex about 50 miles south of Seoul sits a structure that could hold the key for the energy security of South Korea and other economies like it.

The two buildings — a house and a four-story apartment-office structure — would be fairly unremarkable but for the photovoltaic solar cells stretched across their roofs and facades and the adjoining wind-powered turbine rising majestically between them.

Unseen is a tunnel dug deep into the Earth beneath the house that taps geothermal heat to keep the structure warm in winter.
By 2011, the Korean government hopes to have 5 percent of its energy needs met by renewables, with a goal of 15 percent by 2030. In 2005, the rate was about 2.2 percent, while this year is expected to be about 2.6 percent.

Hawaii standards are more ambitious, shooting for 10 percent by 2010, 15 percent by 2015 and 20 percent by 2020. Experts say Hawaii is lagging behind, coming in at only 5 percent now with expectations of just 6 percent by 2012.

The biggest problem in reaching such goals is consumption — the technology cannot keep up with the rising demand for energy.

“You cannot stop people from using energy,” Choi said. “Promoting conservation is very important.”

Star Bulletin