[Reporter’s Notebook] Ideals vs. Reality: The Lost ‘RE100’ Pledge

"What is RE100?"

During the 20th presidential election TV debate, Yoon Suk-yeol, the People Power Party candidate, responded to Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party's pressing question by asking back instead of giving a direct answer. Lee stated, "Leading global companies have adopted RE100 and declared they will not source parts that are not produced with 100% renewable energy," and immediately followed up with, "How will you respond when the carbon border adjustment mechanism is implemented in Europe?" Only then did Yoon reply, "I don't think 100% renewable energy is realistically possible." The Democratic Party strongly criticized Yoon, claiming he had revealed his ignorance on energy issues.

Ironically, RE100 is now holding Lee back. On April 24, Lee announced, "I will build the West Coast Energy Expressway by 2030," and added, "I will transmit 20GW of offshore wind power from the southwest coast to major industrial zones through a marine power grid and expand RE100 industrial complexes nationwide."

However, as soon as the pledge was announced, controversy erupted over its feasibility. When asked whether a stable supply of renewable energy is possible and whether it can be achieved within his term, Lee's campaign failed to provide clear answers.

Contradictions between energy policies have also emerged. RE100 is a commitment by companies to procure all the electricity they need from renewable sources?either by purchasing or self-generating?by 2050. Renewable energy here refers to solar, bioenergy, wind, hydro, and geothermal power, which replace fossil fuels. Nuclear power is not included. Regarding nuclear policy, Lee's campaign stated, "The overall direction is to maintain the current share of nuclear power but gradually reduce it through social consensus." Lee's position appears to be stuck between the vision of RE100 and the view of nuclear power as a practical alternative.

At one time, Lee criticized Yoon for not knowing about RE100, but now, ironically, the fact that Lee does know about RE100 has become a shackle. Although he has made it a campaign pledge, there is no concrete roadmap, and the connection with nuclear policy lacks persuasive power.

As the candidate with the highest probability of winning this presidential election, the question Lee should be asking is not what his opponent does not know, but what he himself can take responsibility for. He must ask himself: "What can I be accountable for?" and "Can I be free from my past self?" If it is difficult to supply sufficient electricity without nuclear power, he should acknowledge this.

He must present the public with realistic alternatives, not just idealistic slogans. If he focused on winning over party members during the primary, in the main election he must address the concerns of the people. He must remember that it all begins with feasibility.