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Gov't targets 20% of power generation through renewable energy by 2030

Published: 06 Apr. 2026, 15:03 Updated: 06 Apr. 2026, 18:50

Doosan Enerbility's wind power facility on July 23, 2025 [YONHAP]

Korea is targeting at least 20 percent of power generation from renewable energy by 2030 in a bid to lower its heavy reliance on energy imports and respond to growing power demand driven by the expansion of advanced industries, the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment said Monday.

Under the plan, reported at a Cabinet meeting, the government aims to expand renewable energy distribution to 100 gigawatts by 2030 to meet the 20 percent goal by fostering the growth of solar power and wind power generation capacity, the ministry said.

Last year, renewable energy accounted for 11.4 percent of the country's total energy generation.

To this end, the government plans to gradually shut down 60 coal-fired power plants by 2040 while promoting renewable energy sources.

It will also foster the growth of green industries by supporting the development of related technologies, including solar power modules, wind power turbines and battery energy storage systems.

In addition, the government will help major industries' push to transform their operations to environmentally friendly models, supporting the steel industry's goal to commercialize hydrogen-based ironmaking technology by 2037 and the petrochemical industry's plan to electrify its naphtha cracking centers, according to the ministry.

The ministry announced it will also work to have 40 percent of new car sales be electric or hydrogen vehicles by 2030.

“We will swiftly implement the energy transition plan to make sure that Korea remains resilient to external shocks, such as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East," Climate Minister Kim Sung-whan announced in a press release.

Yonhap