Sinan County Aims to Become a "Tidal Power Hub" by Harnessing the Power of the Sea

Sinan County in South Jeolla Province announced on April 29 that it will be working with the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology to conduct a “Basic Plan Establishment Service for the Promotion of Tidal Power Generation Projects in Sinan County.”

This plan aims to analyze tidal power resources across Sinan County and explore commercialization possibilities over a five-year period from 2026 to 2030, with the goal of specifying ways to utilize local energy resources.

The establishment of the basic plan is being pursued based on the “Ordinance on the Promotion and Advancement of Tidal Power Generation Projects in Sinan County,” which was enacted in April 2022 as the first of its kind in the country. The plan includes an analysis of local conditions for tidal power, the formulation of the basic plan, and a feasibility study.

Conceptual diagram of a bottom-mounted tidal current generator that produces electricity using the flow of seawater. Provided by Sinan County

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Korea’s tidal energy potential is estimated at approximately 12GW, with about 10GW?roughly 90% of the total?believed to be located in the southwestern region of Jeonnam, including Sinan County. In response, Sinan County is actively seeking ways to utilize its abundant tidal resources to address climate change and the depletion of energy resources.

In particular, the county is focusing on tidal power, which has periodic and regular characteristics, to compensate for the high volatility of solar and wind energy that depends on weather and time.

Jang Heeung, a department head, stated, “Sinan County has already introduced the ‘Sunlight Pension,’ a program that shares solar power generation profits with residents, helping to overcome the crisis of regional decline. Through this basic plan to foster tidal power projects, we will diversify renewable energy sources and maximize the use of energy resources, establishing Sinan County as a cluster for eco-friendly energy innovation.”

As of the end of last year, the cumulative payout for the “Sunlight Pension” exceeded 22 billion won. Thanks to this energy profit-sharing effect, the population, which had been rapidly declining each year, increased by 315 people compared to 2022. In addition, as part of preparations for the successful implementation of the tidal power project, the county has established a dedicated team for offshore wind and tidal power?the first of its kind in the country?and is building related systems.

Once this basic plan is established, Sinan County is expected to develop and maximize the use of customized future energy resources, opening a new chapter in the renewable energy industry.

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