Renewable energy to expand in South Korean water source areas with resident benefit sharing

South Korea is set to expand renewable energy installations in areas designated for water source protection, with the benefits shared among local residents. The Ministry of Environment announced on June 21 that revised enforcement decrees for four water management laws, effective immediately, will facilitate this initiative.

The updated regulations apply to areas like water source protection zones and water quality preservation zones along the Han, Nakdong, Geum, and Yeongsan-Sumjin river systems. Previously, residents in these areas faced restrictions on property rights due to the designations. While support programs using water management funds existed, the new decrees allow for direct support for renewable energy facilities like solar panels and heat pumps in community centers, public facilities, and private homes.

Furthermore, the revised laws enable the expansion of renewable energy projects, allowing additional revenue generated from power generation to be shared with local communities. Cooperatives formed by residents in water source protection zones can now install solar facilities without land restrictions. The government also permits local governments or water management authorities to directly install and operate floating solar power facilities if local residents participate in the power generation business.

"We revised the enforcement decrees to support residents who wish to receive income from solar power through the expansion of renewable energy facilities," said Cho Hee-song, head of the Ministry of Environment's Water Management Policy Office. "We will create a model case where renewable energy coexists with the local economy."

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We revised the enforcement decrees to support residents who wish to receive income from solar power through the expansion of renewable energy facilities. We will create a model case where renewable energy coexists with the local economy.