The Ministry of Climate and Environmental Affairs announced its key business plan for 2026, aiming to supply 100GW of renewable energy by 2030 and transition toward a decarbonized civilization. It plans to revise regulations to improve solar power deployment, establish a special law to promote agrivoltaics, and expand wind power generation. Starting in 2026, the ministry aims to create over 500 ‘Sunlight Income Villages’ annually across 38,000 administrative units nationwide.
To support the energy transition, the government will establish the 12th Basic Plan for Electricity Supply and Demand and a roadmap for phasing out coal power by 2040. It will also develop smart and decentralized power grids, deploy 2.3GW of energy storage systems (ESS) by 2029, and activate virtual power plants (VPPs). The Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (RPS) system will be reformed through bidding, and a quasi-central system will be introduced to improve market acceptance.
The ministry will expand electric vehicle (EV) policies, including revising subsidy systems to encourage cost reduction while improving performance and safety. It also plans to introduce EV models for commercial vehicles, expand charging infrastructure, and establish safety management standards. Additional initiatives include decarbonizing buildings, expanding carbon absorption, developing carbon-neutral technologies, and promoting a plastic-free circular economy through reforms such as transitioning the disposable cup deposit system and mandating recycled PET bottle usage.
Environmental protection measures include creating eco-rivers, combating fine dust, managing algal blooms seasonally, and strengthening chemical safety. The ministry will also prepare for daily disasters such as floods, droughts, and chemical accidents by reinforcing infrastructure and developing AI-based predictive models. Starting January 1, 2025, direct landfilling of household waste will be banned in the Seoul metropolitan area. Minister Kim Seong-hwan emphasized that implementing the 2030 NDC responsibly will create opportunities for industrial and economic growth.