On 12 February 2026, an amendment to the Act on the Promotion of the Development, Use and Diffusion of New and Renewable Energy (the "Amendment") passed the National Assembly Plenary Session. The Amendment is to be promulgated by the President and will take effect six months after such promulgation.
The Amendment is significant as it aims to resolve uncertainties and realigns the energy policy framework with international standards in the effort to support the achievement of Korea's carbon neutrality goals.
Key takeaways
- Differentiation with new energy: Provisions relating to "new energy" sources such as hydrogen and fuel cells are transferred to the Hydrogen Economy Promotion and Hydrogen Safety Management Act. The separation of "new energy" from "renewable energy" is expected to strengthen policy independence and to focus national efforts on solar and wind power.
- Setback regulation: Indiscriminate setback distances set by local government for solar power projects are, in principle, prohibited when granting development permits. Exceptions include preservation of historical and cultural areas. Other exceptions are to be set out in the Presidential Decree. This will require ongoing monitoring.
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[Korean version] 재생에너지법(신재생에너지법 개정안) 국회 통과
