Kim Youngrok: "Expansion of Renewable Energy... Solar and Wind Power Must Be Increased"

Generation Costs Continue to Decline
Emphasis on Stable Energy Sources
Encouragement to Participate in the Presidential Election
Requests for Countermeasures in Response to New Government Changes

Jeollanamdo Governor Kim Youngrok is presiding over a policy meeting with department heads at the Seojaepil Room in the provincial office on the morning of the 27th. Photo by Jeonnam Province

On the 27th, Jeollanamdo Governor Kim Youngrok stated, "Renewable energy is the future. Solar and wind power are becoming the most affordable and stable energy sources, so the expansion of such renewable energy must continue."

Governor Kim made these remarks during a policy meeting with department heads at the Seojaepil Room in the provincial office on the morning of the same day, adding, "Compared to major member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the share of renewable energy in Korea is significantly lower."

In fact, as of 2024, the average share of renewable energy generation among the 38 OECD countries is 35.4%, which is far higher than Korea's 10.5%, the lowest among them. By country, the European Union stands at 46.9%, Denmark at 88.4%, Portugal at 87.5%, Germany at 62.7%, the United States at 22.7%, Japan at 22.0%, and China at 39.6%.

Governor Kim clarified, "I'm not saying that renewable energy is unconditionally good," and emphasized, "In terms of generation costs, solar power in 2023 has dropped by 90% compared to 2010, falling below Korea Electric Power Corporation's electricity unit price, and offshore wind power has also decreased by 63%. Generation costs will continue to fall, so we must keep expanding solar and offshore wind power."

He also stressed the importance of encouraging active participation in the 21st presidential election.

Governor Kim said, "Rather than simply asking people to participate, we should promote practical participation by providing as much convenience as possible within the boundaries of election law, such as having small business owners watch each other's stores or have someone else help, and assisting those with mobility difficulties."

He also called for action after the election. Governor Kim instructed, "When the new government is inaugurated, thoroughly analyze in advance how major issues will unfold, identify changes, and prepare countermeasures for each sector."

Governor Kim further noted, "There are no indicators showing a reduction in safety accidents by sector," and continued, "Although we are making significant efforts, I wonder if there is still a lack of awareness. Even if the province is not legally responsible for everything that happens in Jeollanamdo, we must make comprehensive management efforts."

He also encouraged, "It is expected that there will be a lot of rain this year. I ask that you thoroughly prepare for natural disasters such as floods, landslides, and typhoons during June, before the full-scale rainy season begins in July."

Regarding recent achievements in provincial administration, he listed the establishment of space launch vehicle test infrastructure in Goheung, selection as a final candidate for a distributed energy special zone, selection of two sites for the Regional Vitality Town contest, securing 14 billion won in national R&D projects for climate crisis response, and receiving the highest rating for three consecutive years in the Manifesto Pledge Implementation Assessment. He added, "In particular, achieving a 64% pledge implementation rate, which is 12.38 percentage points higher than the average of other cities and provinces, is a very high figure."