Gyeonggi Province Installs Solar Power Facilities Equivalent to Three Thermal Power Plants in Four Years

It has been revealed that Gyeonggi Province has installed solar power plants equivalent to the capacity of three thermal power plants over the past four years.

On February 2, Gyeonggi Province announced that during the 8th popularly elected administration (2022-2025), it newly installed solar power plants with a total capacity of 1.7GW. This 1.7GW exceeds the combined capacity of three thermal power plants, each typically rated at 500MW.

In particular, in 2025 alone, the province supplied approximately 600MW of new solar power facilities. This accounts for more than one-third of all installations during the 8th administration.

Gyeonggi Province attributes this growth to the favorable policy environment created through the "Gyeonggi RE100" initiative, which acted as a decisive catalyst for attracting private investment. By leading RE100 efforts across four key public sectors-government, businesses, residents, and industry-the province was able to stimulate private sector investment.

By sector, "Public RE100" was mainly promoted as a win-win model in which residents directly invest in public office sites and share the profits. Over the past four years, Gyeonggi Province has utilized 46 shared public sites, enabling 34,000 residents to participate in the construction of solar power plants. As a result, 90% (RE90) of public institution electricity consumption is now generated from renewable energy. This model has also been reflected in national policy.

"Resident RE100" focused on generating income through solar energy and realizing energy welfare. Since 2022, the province has established a total of 350 "Gyeonggi RE100 Villages," particularly in energy-vulnerable areas without city gas supply.

Gyeonggi Province has established solar power plant facilities with a capacity of 1.7GW over four years. Photo is a reference image.

Residents participating in the project earn "solar income" of 150,000 to 200,000 won per household per month or save on electricity bills. Profits from the operation of community power plants are reinvested as resources for community welfare.

"Corporate RE100" focused on expanding solar facilities in industrial complexes. Of the total 371MW of solar permits issued in provincial industrial complexes, 80% were processed over the past four years. By supporting private investment and improving regulations, the number of industrial complexes where solar investment is possible has tripled. As a result, solar power projects are now possible in 98% of industrial complex areas in the province. Companies can now generate additional profits by utilizing previously unused factory rooftops.

"Industrial RE100" focused on establishing the "Gyeonggi Climate Platform" using digital technology. Through this platform, residents and companies can use the "digital twin" service to freely simulate the energy income and cost-saving effects of solar power generation on rooftops, vacant lots, and apartment buildings.

Gyeonggi Province also worked closely with cities and counties to ease the setback distance regulation, which had been the biggest obstacle to solar projects. As a result, 29 out of 31 cities and counties in the province have relaxed these regulations. Consequently, with the exception of two municipalities, all areas now allow resident-participatory or publicly led solar projects without distance restrictions.

Kim Yeonji, Director of the Energy Industry Division of Gyeonggi Province, stated, "Gyeonggi RE100 is a practical economic strategy that not only addresses the climate crisis but also increases household income for residents and supports the survival of businesses. Although conditions in the metropolitan area are not easy, we will continue to expand energy transition models that can be directly felt by residents and the industrial sector."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.