Renewable energy share in power generation South Korea 2018-2022

According to South Korea's third master energy plan, South Korea is aiming to increase the share of new and renewable energy to just over 30 percent by 2036. This is mainly focused on the development of new capacity from photovoltaics (PV) and wind. Solar energy made up over half of all power generated from new and renewable sources in South Korea in 2022.

Emissions trading and reduction

South Korea's national emissions trading scheme (K-ETS) was created to further reduce emissions using the market system. The K-ETS has encouraged the creation of emission reduction strategies within the growing number of certified entities under the system. On top of the scheme, South Korea plans to use alternative energy sources as part of a multifaceted approach to meeting its emission reduction goals. 

Alternative energy sources 

Regions like Chungbuk, Jeonbuk, and Jeju currently have more than half of their power generation coming from renewable sources. However, the government has also pushed for further development in hydrogen-based energy. Although not completely renewable, emissions from hydrogen energy are negligible in comparison to fossil fuels and can be developed to produce no emissions in some cases. Despite its small share of clean energy production currently, this is expected to grow in the coming years.