Expansion of Offshore Wind and Solar Power Spurs Local Economic Growth
Full-Scale Launch of RE100 Industrial Complexes and Sunlight & Wind Dividends
Key issues related to the renewable energy industry, which Yeonggwang County in South Jeolla Province is actively pursuing as core policies, have been included in the Lee Jaemyung administration's five-year national governance plan. As initiatives such as the "establishment of offshore wind power complexes and dedicated ports," "expansion of solar power sites including agrivoltaics, floating, and industrial complexes," "support for balanced regional growth through RE100 industrial complexes," and "expansion of sunlight and wind dividends and creation of energy self-sufficient villages" move forward in earnest, expectations are rising for revitalization of the local economy.
According to Yeonggwang County on August 17, the government's "growth and carbon neutrality through an energy highway" initiative-one of its twelve key priorities-is expected to serve as a new growth engine by aligning with the county's development strategy. With abundant sunshine, a long coastline, and the presence of a nuclear power plant, Yeonggwang County is seen as an optimal site and is likely to emerge as a key hub for the West Coast Energy Highway envisioned by the government.
Yeonggwang County is pushing to establish a 1GW-scale clean hydrogen cluster in the hinterland of the Daema Industrial Complex from 2026 to 2031. The county recently participated in a bid to be designated as a hydrogen-specialized complex and is also preparing for a preliminary feasibility study. Through the integration of production, transportation, materials, and research centers, Yeonggwang County expects to secure national funding, attract investment from large corporations, and create jobs.
The implementation of sunlight and wind basic income is also gaining momentum. This model, which shares the benefits of renewable energy with local residents, is currently undergoing legislative processes and securing financial resources.
The inclusion of Yeonggwang County’s core strategic industries in the Lee Jaemyung administration’s national governance agenda is attributed to the county’s proactive efforts, such as preparing and delivering a "presidential pledge proposal" to political parties and candidate camps from the early stages of the 21st presidential election pledge development.
Jang Seil, Governor of Yeonggwang County, stated, "The new administration’s national agenda is both an opportunity for Yeonggwang County’s long-standing aspirations to bear fruit and a turning point for us to leap forward as a city centered on renewable energy. We will closely cooperate with the government to achieve tangible results in energy welfare and the local economy that residents can truly feel."
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