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Korea will introduce daylight saving time, probably next year, and a network of bicycle roads connecting all parts of the country, the Presidential Committee on Green Growth said Monday.
¡ß Daylight Saving Time
The government hopes to start the system in May next year, saying it will reduce annual electricity usage by 0.3 percent, and increase consumption by W862.8 billion and production by W1.29 trillion. All member countries of the OECD except Korea, Japan and Iceland have adopted the system. Critics say the huge cost will compromise the benefits, as it will require adjustment of flight schedules and daily rhythms. Labor unions are opposed as they claim it could result in increased working hours in a nation where staying at work until dark is considered proof of commitment.
¡ß Bicycle Paths
The government says it will build a nationwide network of bike paths by making bike-only lanes and related facilities compulsory. It is to invest W1.25 trillion by 2018 and expects a dramatic increase of bike usage.
¡ß Gov't in Power Saving Drive
The government is to build what it describes as a next-generation intelligent electricity network, boosting electricity efficiency by enabling real-time communication with electricity suppliers. It also plans to spend W1.7 trillion to replace all incandescent light bulbs at public facilities with LED bulbs, which are 30 percent more efficient, by 2015.
(englishnews@chosun.com )
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