Leading renewable energy buyers and suppliers back the Republic of Korea’s renewed ambition to supercharge its energy transition and security. 

Seoul, August 28, 2025 – In a joint letter to senior Korean ministers, the Global Renewables Alliance and Climate Group’s RE100 campaign urge the Republic of Korea to become the Asia-Pacific’s renewable electricity leader and strengthen its global competitiveness. The organisations highlight Korea’s vast renewable potential and strong corporate demand for renewable electricity. RE100 members alone consume over 60 terawatt-hours of electricity in Korea each year, meaning around 10% of the nation’s electricity use is committed to 100% renewable electricity.

Also supported by the Asia Clean Energy Coalition (ACEC), Corporate Renewable Energy Foundation (CREF), Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA), Global Solar Council, Global Wind Energy Council, Green Hydrogen Organisation, International Geothermal Association, International Hydropower Association, Korea Wind Energy Industry Association, Long Duration Energy Storage Council, SEMI Energy Collaborative (SEMI EC) and We Mean Business Coalition (WMBC), the letter welcomes recent Governmental plans for RE100 industrial complexes and grid expansion, but calls for faster action in five areas:

• Embed a modern, inclusive energy security framework into national policy to ensure long-term competitiveness, resilience, and prosperity.

• Increase renewable ambition in the 12th Basic Plan, unlocking offshore wind, streamlining permitting, expanding storage, and modernising the grid.

• Set an ambitious, actionable NDC target with clear sector-specific renewable energy goals, including coal phase-out.

• Improve renewable procurement through better pricing, wider access to PPAs, and internationally recognised certificates.

• Strengthen public-private cooperation and regional leadership through platforms like the Clean Energy Ministerial.

These steps are not just critical for climate action, the group argued, but also for energy security and creating quality jobs, driving economic growth, building local industry and opportunities for businesses in the Republic of Korea and the wider region. A bold and coordinated strategy will reinforce the Republic of Korea’s global competitiveness and catalyse investment. With the right policy environment, corporate buyers are ready to invest and renewable suppliers are prepared to deliver, unlocking true partnership and growth.

Bruce Douglas, CEO of the Global Renewables Alliance, highlighted: “Korea’s competitiveness will be defined by how quickly it embraces renewables. Global investors and industries are ready to commit. What they urgently need is a clear signal through ambitious targets, modern grids, and streamlined procurement. Delivering this will not only cut costs, but firmly establish Korea as a renewable leader in Asia-Pacific.”

Sam Kimmins, Director of Energy, Climate Group, of RE100 said: “Korea’s industrial giants are ready to support the government in kick-starting the country’s renewable electricity future. Recent policy announcements on renewables are encouraging for the 180 RE100 members working in Korea, but we’re at the start of the journey. Ambitious goals, increased investment in the grid and improved access to renewable sourcing options such as PPAs, are critical if Korea is to seize this opportunity to become a regional energy leader.”

글로벌 재생에너지 연합(Global Renewables Alliance) 브루스 더글러스 최고경영자(CEO)

 “한국의 경쟁력은 재생에너지를 얼마나 신속하게 수용하느냐에 따라 결정될 것입니다. 글로벌 투자자와 산업계는 이미 투자 의사를 밝힌 상태입니다. 그들이 시급히 필요로 하는 것은 야심찬 목표, 현대화된 전력망, 간소화된 조달 절차를 통한 명확한 신호입니다. 이를 실현하면 비용 절감 효과뿐만 아니라 한국을 아시아태평양 지역의 재생에너지 선도국으로 확고히 자리매김할 수 있을 것입니다.”

클라이밋그룹 샘키민스 이사

“한국의 주요 산업계는 정부와 함께 국가의 재생에너지 전력 미래를 본격적으로 열어나갈 준비가 되어 있다. 최근 발표된 재생에너지 정책은 한국에서 활동하는 180여 개 RE100 회원사들에게 고무적인 소식이지만, 지속적인 노력이 요구된다. 한국이 아시아-태평양 지역의 에너지 리더로 도약하기 위해서는 야심찬 목표 설정, 전력망 투자 확대, PPA와 같은 재생에너지 조달 옵션에 대한 접근성 개선이 필수적이다.“

Read the letter here: https://globalrenewablesalliance.org/security/republic-of-korea/