Goheung-gun, First Nationwide Declaration of Carbon Neutrality for Public Facilities by 2030

Public Facility Green Energy Special Account Establishment Ordinance Legislative Notice

100% Conversion to Green Energy Sources for Public Electricity by 2030

Goheung-gun, Jeollanam-do (Governor Gong Young-min) announced on the 28th that it has issued a legislative notice for the ‘Ordinance on the Establishment of a Special Account for Green Energy in Public Facilities (Draft)’ to achieve 100% carbon neutrality in the public sector for the first time in the nation by converting public facility electricity to green energy in line with the global paradigm shift toward green energy.

Income related to new and renewable energy sources, such as solar power site usage fees installed on county-owned land and public waters and solar power generation revenue, amounts to 2.1 billion KRW, which is about 38% of the 5.5 billion KRW electricity bill for public facilities. This will be managed through a special account with the plan to reach 100% by 2030.

[Photo by Goheung-gun]

The county plans to expand the installation of new and renewable energy facilities in newly constructed public buildings to accelerate the achievement of 100% green energy use in public electricity. Electricity bills for community facilities such as senior centers and village halls will also be supported from this special account.

As of 2023, the total solar power generation capacity in the county is 500 MW, ranking fifth nationwide. Currently, privately led power plants of 10 MW or more include 16 offshore wind farms totaling 4,800 MW, 3 onshore wind farms totaling 130 MW, and 6 onshore solar power plants totaling 290 MW, amounting to a total of 25 sites with 5,220 MW.

Recently, as some local governments have shifted privately led power generation projects to government-led models, consolidating power generation complexes and utilizing power generation profits gained through resident participation profit-sharing systems as local pensions, many cities and counties are planning similar initiatives.

Consequently, in the Goheung area, public opinion is forming that rather than private entities proceeding with power generation projects after obtaining residents’ consent, the county should now lead the consolidation of power generation complexes to prevent residents’ damage and conflicts and secure pensions for residents through protecting their rights.

Accordingly, the county is conducting research to provide accurate information and assess the impact on the marine ecosystem for fishermen in offshore wind power zones, where residents’ opposition is strong. It plans to promote government-led power generation projects with reliable operators and is currently diagnosing conditions to overcome resident acceptance.

In this way, the county legislated the ‘Goheung-gun Public Facility Green Energy Special Account Ordinance (Draft)’ with a strong practical intention to share with residents the trend of transitioning to green energy and the competitive situation of regional new growth engines centered on wind power development in South Coast local governments, with the public taking the lead.

A county official said, “After collecting residents’ opinions during the legislative notice period until April 17, we will complete the ordinance enactment and expand the consensus with residents so that Goheung can become the origin of green energy.”

Goheung = Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Shim Jeong-woo hss79@asiae.co.kr

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