S. Korea ranks lowest in supply ratio of renewable energy

SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Yonhap) -- The supply ratio of renewable energy in South Korea was the lowest among the world's major economies, data showed Thursday, amid increasing calls for the development of eco-friendly energy resources.

According to the data provided by Statistics Korea, the ratio of renewable energy
supplied in South Korea was 1.4 percent of total energy production in 2007. This
is the lowest among the 30 members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation
and Development, it added.
Renewable energy includes solar, wind, geothermal and other bio and non-fossil
energy sources.
The ratio for South Korea stood at a mere 0.9 percent in 2000 before making a
slight increase over the next few years.
Iceland topped the list with a supply ratio of 75.5 percent, followed by Norway
with 50.4 percent, New Zealand with 31 percent and Sweden with 30 percent, the
data showed.
Recognizing the need for green energy sources amid growing concern over global
warming, the Seoul government has set aside 240.1 billion won (US$206 million) in
its 2010 annual budget proposal for research and development in the area along
with eased regulations and tax benefits.
kokobj@yna.co.kr
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