EKYUNG Research Institute "Development of Gas, Hydrogen, and Heat Integration System Based on Renewable Energy"

Exterior view of the Energy Economics Institute in Ulsan. (Photo by Energy Economics Institute)

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] The Korea Energy Economics Institute, a government-funded research institute, has advised the government to establish a system that integrates gas, hydrogen, and heat based on renewable energy power.

On the 2nd, the institute published a brief titled "Direction of the Korean Green New Deal: Diagnosis and Suggestions," stating this.

It emphasized that decarbonization, decentralization, digitalization, deregulation, and energy democratization should be realized through a "Green Energy Integrated System."

It stressed the need to build a system that integrates energy sources such as gas, hydrogen, and heat based on renewable energy power, linking consumption sectors like industry, buildings, and transportation.

Shim Seonghee, Senior Research Fellow at the Korea Energy Economics Institute, explained, "Once the integrated system is implemented, renewable energy power can be converted and utilized as hydrogen and heat, and electric vehicle batteries can be used in the power grid and final energy consumption sectors."

He added, "This is expected to enhance energy system stability and contribute to the decarbonization of industries where reducing greenhouse gases is difficult."

Additionally, the institute suggested ▲ strengthening power grid and management systems and improving the power wholesale market system ▲ promoting private investment through rational and phased regulatory improvements ▲ supporting capacity building in sectors where greenhouse gas reduction is challenging ▲ enhancing participation of local governments and residents ▲ expanding convergence and complex-type projects.

Senior Research Fellow Shim said, "Considering Korea's unique characteristics such as entry and tariff regulations in the power market and weak citizen participation, pursuing 'deregulation' and energy democratization is also necessary."