Lee Jae Myung Pledges to Establish RE100 Industrial Complexes... Feasibility in Question

RE100 Means 100% Renewable Energy
Pledge to Maintain Nuclear Power Share in Conflict

Lee Jae Myung, former leader and presidential primary candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, pledged on April 24 to expand 'RE100 industrial complexes,' but the feasibility of achieving this within his term remains uncertain.

Lee Jae Myung, former leader and presidential primary candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, is making a statement. Photo by Yonhap News

Yoon Hu Deok, head of policy for the campaign and a Democratic Party lawmaker, met with reporters at the National Assembly on the same day and raised doubts about whether RE100 industrial complexes can ensure a stable power supply. He said, "RE100 is hesitant and cannot be done," adding, "There is a severe shortage of alternative energy, and the next administration must invest more."

When asked whether it would be possible to achieve RE100?which means 100% renewable energy?within the term if the party comes to power, Yoon simply replied, "We must not hesitate, and we must pursue this policy direction and accomplish it."

Han Byung Do, head of the campaign's general situation room and a Democratic Party lawmaker, stated, "There will be various obstacles and difficulties, but we will establish RE100 industrial complexes and foster eco-friendly businesses."

RE100 is an initiative in which companies commit to sourcing all of their required electricity from renewable energy?either by purchasing or self-generating it?by 2050. Renewable energy in this context refers to solar thermal, photovoltaic, bioenergy, wind, hydro, and geothermal sources that replace fossil fuels such as oil. Nuclear power is not included.

Previously, the campaign stated regarding nuclear policy, "The proportion of nuclear power plants will be maintained, but the overall direction is to gradually reduce it through social consensus." This stance is in conflict with the RE100 pledge.

On the same day, Lee Jae Myung declared, "By 2030, we will construct an energy expressway along the west coast," and added, "We will transmit 20GW (gigawatts) of offshore wind power from the southwest coast to major industrial zones via a marine power grid and expand RE100 industrial complexes nationwide."

He also said, "Aiming for completion by 2040, we will begin construction of a 'U'-shaped energy expressway across the Korean Peninsula to establish a marine grid nationwide," and added, "Through this project, we will connect the power grids of Honam and Yeongnam, link them to offshore wind power on the east coast, and create a new energy paradigm."