The South Korean government plans to secure over 100 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and is pursuing the integration of power companies. It will also establish a reduction roadmap reflecting the national greenhouse gas reduction target (NDC) for 2035, while considering regional balanced development in its electricity pricing reform.
Kim Sung-hwan, Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment, stated during a National Assembly audit on October 6 that the ministry will work tirelessly to accelerate the transition to renewable energy and decarbonization, while creating a pleasant and safe living environment, including water management, to successfully overcome the climate crisis.
He characterized the climate crisis as a matter of survival and a new growth engine. "Carbon reduction has become a global economic agenda, and securing clean energy is a key requirement for advanced industries," he emphasized, adding that efforts must be made to promote greenhouse gas reduction, energy transition, and ecological conservation simultaneously.
The government will initiate a full-scale energy transition centered on renewable energy, aiming to achieve over 100 GW of renewable energy by 2030 and establish a harmonious energy mix to support large-scale industrial investments, including mega-projects.
It will also revise the system and operational methods to eliminate bottlenecks that hinder the expansion of renewable energy and enhance local acceptance to accelerate the construction of power grids.
In particular, the government will pursue the reform of electricity pricing considering regional balanced development, the phase-out of coal power, and the integration of power companies. Minister Kim stated, "We will achieve the advancement of the electricity market through the phase-out of coal power based on a just transition and the integration of power companies aligned with the energy transition."
The ministry will also accelerate the decarbonization transition. It plans to prepare a greenhouse gas reduction roadmap reflecting the 2035 NDC and strengthen incentives for the emissions trading system. Decarbonization efforts will be promoted across all sectors, including industry, heating and cooling, and transportation, with expanded support for energy-vulnerable groups.
To enhance adaptation capabilities to the climate crisis, the ministry will promote the 'Climate Crisis Adaptation Act.' It aims to develop the decarbonized energy industry as a key export sector and expand domestic and international investments to foster new growth engines.
Water management policies will also be strengthened. The government plans to expand interconnections among water resources and diversify supply sources to maximize available water resources while enhancing flood response capabilities to prepare for extreme weather.
In the area of resource circulation, the government will increase the recycling of key minerals to enhance resource security and promote a transition away from plastics in daily life and industry. Addressing fine dust and high ozone levels, as well as establishing a chemical safety network, are also highlighted as major tasks.
Minister Kim concluded, "In its second year, the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment will work tirelessly to accelerate the transition to renewable energy, decarbonization, and the creation of a pleasant and safe living environment to successfully overcome the climate crisis. We will do our utmost to ensure that South Korea becomes a leading nation in decarbonization."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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