Kim Wonki Proposes "RE100 Industrial Complex Special Act"

"Promoting the Creation of Energy New Towns for Balanced Regional Development"

Won-Ki Kim, member of the Democratic Party of Korea.

Kim Wonki, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea representing Mokpo, South Jeolla Province, announced on October 12 that he has sponsored the "Special Act on the Establishment and Support of Renewable Energy Self-Sufficient Cities" (hereinafter referred to as the "RE100 Industrial Complex Special Act"), which aims to promote an energy transition centered on renewable energy and balanced regional development.

This bill, which was one of Assemblyman Kim’s key campaign pledges and a core policy initiative of the Lee Jaemyung administration, seeks to institutionalize the creation of "RE100 industrial complexes" and establish a legal foundation for building new cities based on renewable energy self-sufficiency.

The special act defines a "renewable energy self-sufficient city" as one where the production and consumption of renewable energy are organically linked. It stipulates the creation of industrial complexes, residential districts, large-scale renewable energy production zones, and districts for the construction of stable, decentralized power grids within these cities. Through this, the bill aims to establish a virtuous cycle system in which renewable energy is produced, supplied, and consumed locally, ultimately building a "local production and local consumption" power ecosystem.

To expand the foundation for renewable energy production, the bill includes economic support measures such as securing large-scale sites, reducing lease fees for state and public land, and providing policy-based financial support for facility investment. It also offers substantial incentives to companies and project operators moving into renewable energy self-sufficient cities, including tax reductions and administrative and financial support. In addition, special provisions have been prepared to support the establishment of autonomous schools and medical facilities to create residential environments on par with those of new towns.

Assemblyman Kim emphasized, "The RE100 industrial complex will secure a future growth engine for the southwestern region of South Jeolla Province, and if it is linked with the 'Open AI-SK Joint AI-Only Data Center' project, the synergy will be significant." He added, "As the ruling party secretary of the National Assembly's Trade, Industry, Energy, SMEs and Startups Committee, I will do my utmost to support the Lee Jaemyung administration's energy transition policy and ensure the swift passage of this bill."