Renewable Energy Expansion: Korea's Path to Sustainability

South Korea Targets 20% Renewable Energy by 2030 Amid Global Energy Concerns​

Seoul, April 6 – In a major push to reduce its heavy reliance on energy imports and meet the surging power demand driven by advanced industries, South Korea has set ambitious goals for its energy sector. The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment announced a national plan aiming to generate at least 20% of the country’s total power from renewable sources by the year 2030.

Ambitious Renewable Energy Expansion Plan​

The government's new plan, detailed during a recent Cabinet meeting, targets expanding renewable energy generation to a massive 100 gigawatts (GW) by 2030. To achieve this significant milestone, the focus will be placed strategically on developing advanced solar and wind power generation capacity.

Currently, renewable energy accounted for 11.4% of the country’s total energy generation last year, highlighting the substantial gap the nation aims to close over the coming decade.

Transitioning the Energy Infrastructure​

A key pillar of the transition plan involves a systemic overhaul of the current power landscape. To facilitate this shift, the government intends to gradually decommission 60 coal-fired power plants by the year 2040 while aggressively promoting the adoption of renewable energy sources across the board.

Furthermore, the plan supports the growth of necessary green technologies. This includes specialized development for related technologies such as solar power modules, advanced wind power turbines, and crucial battery energy storage systems.

Green Industrial Transformation​

Beyond power generation, the transition mandates significant shifts across major industrial sectors. The government will actively assist industries in transitioning toward eco-friendly models.

Specific industry goals include supporting the steel industry’s target to commercialize hydrogen-based reduction iron-making technology by 2037. Additionally, the petrochemical industry is slated to undergo an electrification process, specifically targeting the electrification of its naphtha cracking centers.

In the mobility sector, the ministry also set a clear goal: by 2030, 40% of new car sales are expected to utilize electric or hydrogen vehicles.

Climate Minister Kim Sung-whan stated that the government will swiftly implement the energy transition plan. This commitment is aimed at ensuring that South Korea remains resilient to external shocks, citing the ongoing conflict in the Middle East as a primary example of the strategic necessity for domestic energy self-reliance.