Global Renewables Alliance and RE100 Urge Korea to Accelerate Transition and Lead Asia-Pacific in Clean Energy
The Global Renewables Alliance and the Climate Group’s RE100 campaign, backed by leading international energy organisations, have called on the Republic of Korea to strengthen its renewable electricity ambitions and position itself as a regional leader in Asia-Pacific.
In a joint letter sent to senior Korean ministers, the groups highlighted Korea’s “vast renewable potential” and rising corporate demand for clean power. RE100 members alone consume more than 60 terawatt-hours of electricity annually in Korea—equivalent to around 10% of the country’s total demand—already committed to transitioning to 100% renewable energy.
The letter, also endorsed by the Asia Clean Energy Coalition (ACEC), Corporate Renewable Energy Foundation (CREF), Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA), Global Solar Council, Global Wind Energy Council, Green Hydrogen Organisation, International Geothermal Association, International Hydropower Association, Korea Wind Energy Industry Association, Long Duration Energy Storage Council, SEMI Energy Collaborative, and We Mean Business Coalition, welcomed recent government initiatives such as RE100 industrial complexes and grid expansion plans.
However, the coalition urged faster action across five key areas:
Embedding a modern, inclusive energy security framework into national policy.
Raising renewable ambition in the 12th Basic Plan, particularly offshore wind, grid modernisation, permitting, and storage.
Setting an ambitious, actionable NDC target with sector-specific renewable goals and a clear coal phase-out plan.
Improving procurement through fairer pricing, wider access to power purchase agreements (PPAs), and globally recognised certificates.
Strengthening public-private cooperation and regional leadership through platforms like the Clean Energy Ministerial.
The organisations stressed that these measures are not only vital for climate goals but also for energy security, economic growth, job creation, and industrial competitiveness.
Bruce Douglas, CEO of the Global Renewables Alliance, said: “Korea’s competitiveness will be defined by how quickly it embraces renewables. Global investors and industries are ready to commit. What they urgently need is a clear signal through ambitious targets, modern grids, and streamlined procurement.”
Sam Kimmins, Director of Energy at Climate Group’s RE100, added: “Korea’s industrial giants are ready to support the government in kick-starting the country’s renewable electricity future. Policy announcements are encouraging, but this is just the beginning. Ambitious goals, grid investment, and improved access to sourcing options like PPAs are critical if Korea is to seize this opportunity to become a regional leader.”