Construction of a U-shaped Energy Expressway Across the Korean Peninsula by 2040
Connecting Renewable Energy with Major Industrial Complexes
Fostering Renewable Energy and Carbon Neutrality as the Second Semiconductor Industry
Lee Jae Myung, former leader and a preliminary candidate for the Democratic Party of Korea's presidential election, pledged on April 24 to build an "energy expressway" along the west coast by 2030. This would enable wind power generated in the West Sea and solar power from the Honam region to be transmitted to major industrial zones. He also unveiled a plan to construct a U-shaped energy expressway across the Korean Peninsula by 2040, aiming to establish an offshore power grid nationwide.
On this day, Lee presented his blueprint for the energy expressway via social networking services (SNS) as a solution to the climate crisis and energy supply challenges.
He stated, "Every year, the damage from extreme heavy rains, droughts, and wildfires is increasing to the point where recovery is difficult. There is growing concern that what was once considered 'abnormal weather' has now become 'everyday weather.' We must minimize reliance on coal, reduce the proportion of LNG, and rapidly increase the share of renewable energy."
Regarding measures to promote renewable energy, Lee said, "We will leverage the abundant wind and solar resources of South Jeolla and North Jeolla to respond to the climate crisis and create new momentum for economic growth." He emphasized, "Energy competitiveness is directly linked to industrial competitiveness. To address the climate crisis and achieve sustainable growth, we will expand renewable energy and establish a stable energy supply system." He also pointed out, "Our companies have not been able to adequately prepare for the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism or the RE100 initiative adopted by global corporations due to insufficient renewable energy supply. The lack of power grid capacity has even blocked the introduction of new renewable energy sources. We need to correct this backward situation."
Regarding the west coast energy expressway targeted for 2030, Lee pledged, "We will transmit 20GW of offshore wind power from the southwest coast to major industrial zones via an offshore power grid and expand RE100 industrial complexes nationwide." He added, "We will begin constructing a U-shaped energy expressway across the Korean Peninsula with a completion target of 2040, building an offshore grid throughout the country. This project will connect the power grids of Honam and Yeongnam, link offshore wind power from the east coast, and create a new energy paradigm for South Korea."
He also expressed his intention to establish a decentralized energy system. Lee stated, "We will connect solar and wind energy with energy storage systems (ESS), green hydrogen, and heat pumps, and utilize AI-based intelligent power grids to create energy self-sufficient villages."
Lee Jae Myung, a preliminary candidate running in the Democratic Party of Korea's 21st presidential election primary, is giving an opening statement at a debate held on the 23rd at the OhmyTV studio in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers
He also presented a plan to address the concentration of industry in the Seoul metropolitan area through energy issues. Lee said, "Companies with high electricity demand are currently concentrated in the metropolitan area. By providing the benefits of distributed energy and strengthening incentives, we will attract these companies to local regions and revitalize local economies." He further mentioned, "We will connect renewable energy production sites with large industrial areas to establish RE100 industrial complexes nationwide." In addition, citing a dividend case from a solar power plant in Sinan County, South Jeolla, he said, "We will expand 'sunlight and wind pensions' to revive the economies of regions at risk of extinction."
He also presented a vision to utilize industries related to the climate crisis as a driving force for economic growth. He stated, "We will develop renewable energy and carbon-neutral industries into a 'second semiconductor industry' that will drive the Korean economy. Using the energy expressway as a catalyst, we will strengthen the competitiveness of the renewable energy, power grid, and ESS industries."
He added, "President Kim Dae Jung overcame the IMF economic crisis with the 'information superhighway.' I will usher in an era of the K-Initiative, leading the world with the energy expressway."
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