"If We Hesitate, China Will Take It All"... Minister Kim Sung-hwan Stresses "Speed" in Green Transition

"Green Great Transformation International Week" Press Conference
Emphasis on a Model Combining Industry, Technology, and Policy

On April 20, Kim Sung-hwan, Minister of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, warned about the global competition surrounding the green transition, stating, "If we hesitate, China will take over the entire green industry market." Minister Kim made it clear that expanding renewable energy and fostering the green industry are tasks that cannot be delayed, especially as global climate response wavers due to the Middle East war and policy changes in various countries.

At a press conference held at the Yeosu Expo in Jeollanam-do to mark the "Green Great Transformation International Week," Minister Kim said, "If we waver due to policy fluctuations in some countries, we could lose our leadership in the green industry." He emphasized, "Korea must create a leading model that combines industry, technology, and policy," adding, "In that process, we must achieve both climate response and economic growth simultaneously."

He described the current international order as an "era of dual transformation." One axis is the technology competition centered on artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductors, while the other is the energy transition away from reliance on fossil fuels. Minister Kim assessed, "If we fail to change our energy structure as both trends unfold simultaneously, the competitiveness of our industry itself may weaken."

Kim Sung-hwan, Minister of Climate Energy and Environment, is holding a press conference on the 20th at the Yeosu Expo in Jeollanam-do to mark the 'Green Great Transformation International Week.' Ministry of Climate Energy and Environment

He also drew a clear line regarding the issue of intermittency, which is often raised during the expansion of renewables such as solar and wind power, saying that the overall direction must not be shaken. Minister Kim stated, "There are technical limitations due to intermittency, but postponing the transition for this reason will lead to even greater costs." He explained, "How we store, transport, and industrialize energy derived from the sun will be the key to competitiveness." He stressed the need to build an ecosystem that includes related industries such as energy storage systems (ESS), power grids, and hydrogen.

Regarding the solar industry, Minister Kim expressed the government’s intention to simultaneously protect domestic industries and secure competitiveness. He said, "We are encouraging the use of domestic inverters in projects that receive subsidies," and added, "It is important to maintain the domestic industrial base within the China-centered structure, which accounts for more than 90% of the global market." He continued, "The inverter industry is still centered on small and medium-sized enterprises, and its scale and technological competitiveness are not yet sufficient." He committed to supporting the industry so that it can secure technical capabilities and price competitiveness in consideration of future market expansion.

The waste issue arising from the expansion of renewables was also discussed as a major matter. Regarding discarded solar panels, Minister Kim explained, "A free collection and resource circulation system is operating at six locations nationwide," adding, "A significant portion of key resources such as glass and metal can be recycled." However, he noted, "Technologies for more precise separation of materials attached to the cells are still at the stage where further research and development is needed." In the case of wind power facilities, most are made of steel structures and can be recycled, but the technology for treating composite materials used in blades remains a challenge.

On the discussion of establishing small modular reactors (SMRs), Minister Kim said that a measured approach is necessary. "The Korean model is still in the design and licensing stage, so commercialization will take time," he explained. "Considering the location conditions of waterfront areas, it is premature to discuss local siting." He added, "After confirming success following the first power generation in 2035, we should then decide whether to expand." He displayed a cautious stance amid growing competition among local governments to attract SMRs.

Kim Sung-hwan, Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment, is holding a press conference on the 20th at the Yeosu Expo in Jeollanam-do in celebration of the "Green Great Transformation International Week." Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment

The anti-plastic policy is also expected to be specified soon. Minister Kim said, "Based on the draft presented at last year's public hearing, we are working on strengthening the policy," adding, "After the Middle East war, the instability of raw material supply has increased, and there is greater social demand for resource circulation." He further announced, "We will soon announce a more robust anti-plastic policy through a report to the State Council."

Regarding the issue of expanding the power grid, Minister Kim pointed out that securing public acceptance is the key factor in the controversy over the delayed construction of the East Seoul Substation. He stated, "We have reviewed various alternatives multiple times, but realistically, there are not many options," adding, "We are focusing on preparing measures to minimize both psychological and physical concerns of residents." He went on to say, "Once our internal review is complete, we will resume consultations with the residents."

On the question of inter-ministerial roles in energy policy, Minister Kim emphasized the importance of a collaborative system. He explained, "The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy is responsible for securing resources such as oil and gas, while the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment handles power generation and transition." He added, "In times of crisis, integrated responses are based on a division of roles," stressing that "stabilizing the lives of the public is a more important common goal than disputes over jurisdiction among ministries."

Plans to secure the necessary financial resources for the green transition are also being prepared. Minister Kim said, "The government and the private sector are jointly designing a resource mobilization structure," and "We are reviewing measures including various financial instruments such as green bonds." He added, "The outlines of investment scale and funding plans will be revealed in the Green Great Transformation strategy to be announced in June."

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