Allow Conversion of Construction Machinery Emitting 20% of Exhaust Fumes

Construction machinery, though representing only 1% of registered vehicles in South Korea, emits a disproportionate 20% of the nation's fine dust. This significant contribution to air pollution, stemming from older diesel-powered equipment like forklifts and excavators, threatens to undermine the progress made in reducing vehicle emissions over the past two decades.

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The fine dust from construction machinery, which accounts for only 1% of vehicles, makes up 20% of the total. If we miss this 1%, the 99% achievement from cars will be overshadowed.

The current strategies to address this issue, such as early scrapping programs and promoting the purchase of new, eco-friendly machinery, have proven largely ineffective. Many owners find it financially burdensome to replace perfectly functional equipment, especially since construction machinery is often used for decades. Early scrapping rates remain extremely low, indicating a disconnect between policy and the reality faced by equipment operators.

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The only solution is to stop the source of emissions, and that source is old diesel construction machinery.

An alternative solution gaining traction is the electrification of existing diesel engines. This approach retains the machinery's power and familiarity while eliminating harmful emissions. Tests show that converted forklifts maintain comparable towing capacity to their diesel counterparts, with emissions reduced from 68% to zero. This method is also seen as more cost-effective than purchasing entirely new electric machinery, which can be twice the price of a diesel equivalent and often lacks sufficient power or safety features.

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The answer is not to deny the diesel engine, but to remove only the exhaust fumes while keeping its power.

Internationally, cities like Oslo and the Netherlands have embraced conversion as a key strategy for decarbonizing their construction sectors. By offering subsidies and prioritizing converted machinery in public projects, they have successfully reduced emissions. South Korea could adopt similar measures, such as introducing emissions testing for off-road machinery, providing incentives for conversion, and prioritizing the adoption of electric equipment in public works, to accelerate the transition to cleaner construction operations.

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New equipment is the best, but reality moves slowly. The way to fill that gap is electrification conversion.