Gov’t to make proactive move to expand use of wind power, solar energy


South Korea’s industry ministry said Thursday it plans to make a proactive move to promote the use of wind power and solar energy in line with efforts to harness renewable sources to achieve carbon neutrality.

Under this goal, the government plans to supply renewable energy production facilities with a combined capacity of 6 gigawatts (GW) annually through 2030, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. Generally, 1 GW is equivalent to the capacity of a nuclear reactor.

“There is a global consensus on expanding carbon-free energy resources, and renewable energy can play a crucial role in maintaining energy security, especially in light of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine,” an official from the ministry said.

In line with these efforts, the government has pledged to focus on expanding the use of offshore wind power by adopting new legislation to accelerate the establishment of these facilities.

The government also pledged to promote the use of solar power in industrial zones while
exploring ways to integrate agriculture with solar power generation.

As of 2021, the ratio of power generation between solar energy and wind power stood at 87 to 13. The government plans to adjust this ratio to 60 to 40 by 2030.

Source: Yonhap News Agency