Shinan County Wins Gold at Green World Awards, One of the World’s Top Four Environmental Prizes

Assessment of the "Renewable Energy Benefit Sharing System" Model

On May 12, Shinan County in South Jeolla Province received the Gold Award in the Green Energy category at the Green World Awards, the world's most prestigious environmental awards ceremony, held in Auckland, New Zealand.

According to the county, the Green World Awards are not simply an environmental prize ceremony, but are referred to as the "Oscars of the environmental sector." The awards are given to governments, businesses, and organizations that have demonstrated innovative efforts and tangible achievements toward a sustainable future.

Assistant Manager Ki Hyuk Shin of Shinan County (second from the left in the photo) is taking a commemorative photo with employees after receiving the Gold Award at the Green World Awards. Provided by Shinan County

Shinan County won this award for creating the "Renewable Energy Benefit Sharing System," a policy that utilizes sunlight and wind, and for providing "Sunlight Pension" and "Wind Pension" payments to residents. This policy placed residents at the center of energy policy. The initiative was highly praised for sharing the benefits of renewable energy with the community, encouraging active participation from residents, and, most importantly, enabling residents themselves to proactively address the climate crisis.

Roger Wolens, founder and CEO of The Green Organisation, said, "Shinan County submitted an entry about benefit sharing through renewable energy, and I have not seen this type of entry in all the submissions over the past 30 years. It is a highly innovative business concept for addressing climate issues, and it is truly excellent as a new way to help local communities."

Kim Daein, acting governor of Shinan County, stated, "Following the Gold Award in the 'LivCom Awards for Livable Cities' in 2024, it is an honor to receive the Gold Award in the Green Energy category at the Green World Awards. This achievement is the result of the collective efforts and hard work of all Shinan County residents who have walked this path together."