Renewable Energy Day Officially Established with First Celebration

The privately initiated 'Renewable Energy Day' has been designated as an official commemorative day. The government hosted the inaugural celebration this year, honoring individuals who contributed to the development and dissemination of renewable energy technologies and the growth of the industry.

The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment announced that the '2026 Renewable Energy Day Ceremony' took place on October 23 at COEX in Gangnam, Seoul. Over 300 attendees included Lee Ho-hyun, the Second Vice Minister of Climate, as well as representatives from the government, National Assembly, industry, academia, and civil society.

Renewable Energy Day originated from the World Renewable Energy Congress held in Seoul on October 23, 2019. It was celebrated privately until it became an official commemorative day following amendments to the 'Regulations on Various Commemorative Days' on October 20. The Ministry of Climate oversees the observance.

The government also expanded the awards for individuals who contributed to the development and dissemination of renewable energy technologies. This year, the government presented 12 awards, including 2 medals, 2 commendations, 4 presidential citations, and 4 prime ministerial citations, an increase of 4 from last year. Additionally, 51 ministerial commendations were awarded by the Ministry of Climate.

Kim Gi-hong, an executive at Hanwha Solutions, received the Silver Tower Industrial Medal for his role in establishing the commercialization foundation for next-generation perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells. Jeong Seung-young, head of the Korea Energy Technology Evaluation Institute, was awarded the Gold Tower Industrial Medal for leading international collaborative research in renewable energy and hosting the Mission Innovation (MI) ministerial meeting.

Vice Minister Lee stated, "Whoever secures cleaner and cheaper electricity reliably will determine the fate of companies and nations. I urge everyone, including industry, academia, and civil society, to unite for a transition to an energy system centered on renewable energy."