Full-scale Push for Next-Generation Solar, Power Grids, and Ultra-Large Offshore Wind... Restructuring of the Energy New Industry Accelerates

Implementation Plan for 15 Leading Ultra-Innovative Economy Projects

The government is set to restructure the energy industry with a focus on next-generation solar technology, intelligent power grids, and the deployment of ultra-large offshore wind power. This strategy aims to completely rebuild the industrial ecosystem based on next-generation technology, as price competitiveness in the existing solar cell market has intensified due to monopolization by certain countries.

On November 25, at the Economic Ministers’ Meeting, the Ministry of Economy and Finance announced the “Plan for Promoting 15 Leading Ultra-Innovative Economy Projects,” which includes these initiatives. The plan centers on the commercialization of next-generation solar power, the advancement of power grids, and the localization of ultra-large offshore wind power, providing support across the entire cycle from technology development and demonstration to the establishment of institutional foundations.

The government assessed that while the global solar market continues to grow, the domestic solar cell industry struggles with low price competitiveness due to monopolistic structures dominated by countries like China. In response, the government presented a direction to reorganize the domestic industry into a new ecosystem by securing next-generation core technologies, such as high-efficiency tandem cells. Tandem cell technology, which combines different materials to broaden the light absorption range and maximize efficiency, is also drawing increased investment from major countries, including China, in their efforts to secure this key technology.

To commercialize tandem cells, the government will implement a comprehensive support package, including large-scale research and development, demonstration projects, and the training of specialized personnel. The plan also includes establishing institutional foundations to secure an early lead in the market, with the goal of commercialization set for 2028.

Additionally, the government will expand renewable energy by building a Korean-style next-generation intelligent power grid. While the expansion of renewable energy is necessary for carbon neutrality, the government recognizes that output control and other factors present constraints. As renewable energy adoption increases, the system will shift from a few large generators to many small generators, making grid operation more complex.

To address this, the government has decided that a next-generation intelligent power grid is needed to integrate and manage small-scale distributed renewable energy resources, and will establish a “Korean Next-Generation Power Grid Task Force.” The plan is to build an intelligent power grid that uses artificial intelligence to control various distributed resources, such as renewable energy, optimizing power generation, storage, and consumption. By 2030, energy storage systems (ESS) will be installed on approximately 85 feeder lines in distribution networks with concentrated solar power, and an AI-based optimal operation system will be introduced. Furthermore, the government aims to establish an intelligent power grid with integrated management of distributed resources by developing and demonstrating microgrid models tailored to local characteristics.

In the offshore wind sector, the government will promote the development of core technologies for ultra-large offshore wind turbines of 20MW class or higher and their key components to increase the localization rate. The goal is to build infrastructure and manufacturing bases for large-scale wind farms and to establish a full-cycle support system from demonstration and commercialization to export. In addition, a system for training specialized personnel will be established to strengthen the overall foundation of the ultra-large offshore wind industry.

The commercialization of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission has also been included as a key pillar of power grid advancement. HVDC technology is essential to the global power infrastructure because it minimizes power loss, is advantageous for long-distance, high-capacity transmission, and is optimized for renewable energy integration. The government will expand the application of HVDC to new transmission networks and the replacement of old ones to ensure stable, large-scale, long-distance transmission of renewable energy. It will also conduct demonstrations of intelligent transmission networks for condition monitoring and grid stabilization. Through these efforts, the government aims to secure domestic technological competitiveness and lay the foundation for future international power grid cooperation.

Alongside these efforts, the government will launch a green hydrogen production demonstration project. As green hydrogen emerges as a key tool for decarbonizing the industrial sector, the government believes that the stable production and supply of clean hydrogen will be a crucial factor in future industrial competitiveness. Reflecting the industry's call for the early acquisition of core technologies for green hydrogen production, the government will form a “Green Hydrogen Project Task Force” with participation from industry, academia, and research institutes. The plan is to establish a large-scale demonstration complex using water electrolysis powered by renewable energy, and to integrate and demonstrate technologies across the entire cycle-from production and storage to transport and utilization-to enhance commercialization potential. The strategy also includes fostering the hydrogen industry ecosystem by localizing related materials and components and training specialized personnel, with the aim of expanding into an export-oriented clean energy industry in the future.