[Feature] Jeollanam-do Renewable Energy from Sun and Wind... ③Transition to a Sustainable Structure Needed

Overcoming Regional Conflicts and Transmission Network Limitations Is Key
Moving Toward a "Resident-Participatory, Mutually Beneficial Model"
Consensus on Regional Integration, Including the Muan Peninsula, Is Crucial
Concerns Over Regional Conflict in Attracting RE100 Industrial Complexes

A banner expressing opposition to the undergrounding of renewable energy transmission lines is hung in a village in Yeonggwang County, Jeollanam-do. Photo by Shim Jinseok

Jeollanam-do is emerging as a central hub for energy transition, recording the highest level of renewable energy generation in the country. However, the region now faces a crossroads due to structural issues such as local conflicts, limitations in transmission infrastructure, and insufficient contributions to the local economy.

◇ Urgent Need for Growth in the Renewable Energy Industry

Aligned with the government's "2050 Carbon Neutrality" strategy, Jeollanam-do has become a focal point for the development of new and renewable energy sources such as solar and offshore wind power. The total installed capacity of solar and offshore wind energy in the region accounts for over 20% of the national total.

However, there is criticism that "energy is generated in Jeollanam-do, but electricity is sent to the Seoul metropolitan area," reflecting the reality that local residents feel little benefit. Furthermore, there is significant backlash against the idea that energy produced from natural resources like the sun and wind is being used solely as a profit-making tool for specific groups.

To fundamentally change this negative perception, experts point out that Jeollanam-do’s renewable energy industry must shift from "quantitative growth" to a "sustainable, region-based industry." The recent surge in discussions about integrating the Muan Peninsula?centered on Muan, Mokpo, and Sinan?also reflects this atmosphere.

To further develop emerging local issues such as attracting RE100 industrial complexes and establishing a Climate and Energy Department, the region must be unified to build a foundation for sustainable development.

The most urgent task is to establish a mutually beneficial structure with local residents. In some areas, the development of solar and wind farms has proceeded without sufficient communication with residents, leading to strong opposition at the village level.

◇ Urgent Need to Resolve Inter-Regional Conflicts

There is already invisible competition among local governments to attract RE100 industrial complexes. Power struggles among certain politicians have also begun. There are even concerns that the decision on where to locate the RE100 industrial complex could be determined by sheer power dynamics. In addition, conflicts among residents in various parts of Jeollanam-do have intensified due to the influx of renewable energy facilities.

Experts emphasize, "For sustainable development, residents must not simply be beneficiaries of compensation, but joint stakeholders in profits. The introduction of resident-participatory power generation projects and profit-sharing systems is essential." This is the reason for such emphasis.

There are also growing calls for Jeollanam-do’s renewable energy industry to expand beyond just the installation of power plants and to encompass the entire industrial ecosystem. Until now, external capital has repeatedly entered only to build power generation facilities and take the profits. Going forward, it is necessary to attract high value-added industries such as wind power component manufacturing, solar module production, R&D, and maintenance. The consideration of establishing energy-specialized industrial complexes and artificial intelligence clusters in areas such as Yeonggwang, Haenam, and Sinan is a positive sign.

For the renewable energy industry to be further revitalized, the current permitting system must also be improved to better reflect local conditions. There is a growing call for institutional changes such as a prior consent system for local governments in power generation project approvals and the establishment of conflict mediation organizations, in order to enhance the autonomy and responsibility of local governments.

There is increasing persuasion that the future of Jeollanam-do’s renewable energy industry should not be limited to generation figures. It is crucial to establish an integrated system in which residents and the region take the lead in sharing the benefits of the energy transition, while simultaneously fostering industries and jobs. There is also a demand to create a sustainable system by designating distributed energy-specialized areas in surplus power regions, thereby differentiating energy supply prices and building an energy ecosystem that includes "attracting Jeollanam-do businesses," "expanding the talent pool," and "technology development and advancement."

An official from Jeollanam-do stated, "The core of the renewable energy industry is the redistribution of profits. Through the resulting economic revitalization, population influx, and strengthening of the self-sufficiency of the energy industry, we can envision regional development. Jeollanam-do is fundamentally well-resourced, so with proper preparation, we can lay the foundation for the next 100 years."