The government is expanding the deployment of floating solar power by utilizing the surface of dams and existing transmission networks. Starting with the installation of an additional 95 megawatts (MW) of floating solar power at Soyanggang Dam, the plan is to develop approximately 500 MW at over ten locations nationwide by 2030.
The Ministry of Climate Energy and Environment announced on September 30 at the Water Culture Center of Soyanggang Dam in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, that it held a vision declaration ceremony for floating solar power with the Korea Water Resources Corporation. The event was attended by Minister of Climate Kim Seong-hwan, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Governor Woo Sang-ho, and Chuncheon Mayor Yook Dong-han.
On this day, the Korea Water Resources Corporation announced its plan to develop about 500 MW of floating solar power at over ten locations by 2030, with the first project being the additional installation of 95 MW at Soyanggang Dam.
Since commercializing a 500 kW floating solar power system at Hapcheon Dam in 2012, the corporation has been operating a total of 105.6 MW at seven locations, including Hapcheon, Boryeong, Chungju, Soyanggang, and Imha dams.
Among the new projects, approximately 400 MW will utilize a 'cross-transmission' method that leverages the existing power networks of the dams. The targeted sites include Soyanggang, Chungju, Andong, Daecheong, and Juam dams.
Cross-transmission allows for the transmission of electricity generated by floating solar power during the sunny daytime, while hydropower is transmitted at night or during other times. This method minimizes the need for new transmission network construction by utilizing existing hydropower transmission facilities based on time of day, according to government officials.
The government believes this approach will reduce the costs and time required for expanding transmission facilities and mitigate potential social conflicts arising from the construction of new transmission networks.
Additionally, a model will be introduced to share power generation profits with local residents. The Korea Water Resources Corporation plans to promote participation from residents in the floating solar power projects to share the benefits of renewable energy generation.
Minister Kim stated, "We will actively pursue the cross-transmission method, which maximizes the use of existing power systems in multipurpose dams, to quickly and affordably distribute renewable energy while sharing profits with local residents."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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