Gwangju Nam-gu Aims for 50% Renewable Energy Self-Sufficiency by 2030

Nam-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, is promoting the '2030 Renewable e 50+ Program' to achieve a 50% self-sufficiency rate in renewable energy by 2030 in order to realize carbon neutrality and create a green energy self-reliant city.

This is to actively respond to climate change through energy sector policies.

According to Nam-gu on the 17th, this project is a business aimed at activating the use of sustainable energy sources. Nam-gu Mayor Kim Byeong-nae recently proposed this project after returning from Germany as part of efforts to establish a carbon-neutral and energy self-reliant city.

The project aims to create a clean Nam-gu based on renewable energy.

On the 28th of last month, Mayor Kim met with Heiko Knopf, Vice Co-chair of the Green Party in Germany, and exchanged various discussions on realizing carbon neutrality. In particular, the mayor was drawn to the discussion on the 'importance of public policies for energy reduction,' judging that the desires of energy consumers and the practical alignment of policies play a key role in reducing energy consumption that causes the climate crisis.

Accordingly, after returning to Korea, Mayor Kim ordered the relevant district office department to promote the '2030 Renewable e 50+ Project,' which provides practical benefits to energy consumers through a renewable energy convergence support project.

The core is to distribute sustainable energy such as solar power and solar heat to houses in the district and raise the renewable energy supply rate to 50% by 2030.

Currently, the renewable energy supply rate for detached houses in the district is reported to be around 14%.

Along with this, Nam-gu is also actively promoting a project that resells renewable energy produced in villages and uses the proceeds for village welfare.

Once the ongoing development of microgrid demonstration technology based on renewable energy is completed, an energy cooperative composed of residents of Sinhyochon Village will be established to carry out a solar power profit business.

A Nam-gu official said, "Since most greenhouse gas emissions occur during the energy consumption process, transitioning to clean energy is necessary to move toward a carbon-neutral society," adding, "As a local government leading the renewable energy sector, we will achieve both carbon neutrality and green growth."