On 1 February 2026, the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment announced that it has the goal of distributing 100GW of renewable energy by 2030 and expanding the power grid needed to accommodate it. The Ministry presented four major initiatives:
- Accelerating renewable energy development and reducing costs
- Innovating and expanding the power grid
- Building a power system that supports a just and inclusive energy transition
- Enhancing acceptance and sustainability of nuclear power policy
Key takeaways
1. Accelerating Renewable Energy
Solar: Expansion of rooftop PV installations on traditional markets, schools, parking lots, and factory roofs. Promotion of “Sunlight Income Villages.
Onshore Wind: Allowing Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) wind resource data instead of wind measurement tower requirements. Reforming the wind power bidding system.
Offshore Wind: Introduction of government-led planned development zones in line with implementation of the Offshore Wind Power Special Act (March). Preparation of a long-term bidding execution plan for 2035.
RPS reform: Converting RPS obligations from a percentage of generation to capacity-based (GW) targets. Unifying new facilities under long-term fixed-price contracts.
2. Power Grid Expansion
Grid Connection System: Strengthening oversight of delayed projects. Switching from a first-come-first-served system to a priority-access system based on grid necessity. Legal amendments to grant priority grid access for public-interest projects.
Grid Stabilization & Expansion: Expanding flexible grid connections depending on grid stabilization facilities or functions. Replacing existing transmission lines with high-capacity conductors. Amending regulations to ensure system-stabilization capability for new entrants.
3. Energy Transition
Power Mix & Roadmap: Reflecting a carbon-free generation mix and phaseout of coal generation in the 12th Basic Power Supply Plan (2026–2040).
Renewable Energy Market Reform: Introducing “quasi-central dispatch” for renewable generators. Preparing expansion plans for renewable price bidding systems (currently piloted in Jeju Island) to the mainland.
Electricity Tariff Reform: Reducing industrial rates during daytime and raising them during evening hours. Presenting options for regional electricity pricing within the year.
4. Nuclear Power
Enhancing Utilization: Proceeding expeditiously on new nuclear construction and continued operation of aging reactors. Filing for standard design approval for i-SMRs.
Back-End Fuel Cycle Management: Launching site selection procedures for high-level radioactive waste disposal facilities.
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[Korean version] 기후에너지환경부 2026년 주요 업무계획 발표
