Not Yet Renewed: Challenges in Renewable Energy Transition in South Korea 2020

In 2018, solar photovoltaics (PV) and wind accounted for only 1.9% of total electricity generation, and even Korea’s unique category of “new and renewable energy”, altogether constitutes only 6.2% of power generation.

However, Korea’s solar PV and wind potential is substantial. Research results from the Korea Environment Institute estimate the country’s wind energy potential at 59.4 GW (onshore 15.0 GW/34.5 TWh, offshore 44.4 GW/127.7 TWh) and solar PV potential at 102 GW (138.6 TWh).

The Korea Energy Economics Institute has released analysis results finding market potential for solar PV to be 318 GW (411 TWh) or 90% of current power generation.