South Korea has launched its Korea-Green Transformation (K-GX) Strategy, a comprehensive ten-year initiative covering 2026 to 2035, supported by KRW 1,000 trillion in combined government investment and climate finance. The strategy aims to accelerate the country’s transition towards a low-carbon economy while creating new growth opportunities through renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and clean technology development.
Developed jointly by government ministries and private-sector leaders, the K-GX Strategy focuses on moving beyond emissions reduction to establish South Korea as a leading global hub for green industries. Renewable energy expansion, electricity grid modernization, domestic manufacturing, and technological innovation are among its major priorities.
A key target under the strategy is to achieve 100 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, ahead of the previously planned schedule. The government intends to identify suitable locations for solar and wind power projects while introducing measures to reduce renewable electricity generation costs. These initiatives are expected to strengthen national energy security and support the wider adoption of clean electricity across the economy.
Grid infrastructure development will also play a central role in achieving the renewable energy target. South Korea plans to upgrade existing transmission lines to higher-capacity systems by 2030, enabling the electricity network to accommodate larger volumes of renewable power. The strategy also seeks to promote the direct-current power transmission and distribution industry to improve the delivery of electricity from renewable energy complexes to major demand centres.
Alongside infrastructure development, the government will support ten flagship green industries, including solar and wind power. Technological advancement in solar manufacturing is a major focus, with South Korea targeting the world’s first commercialization and mass production of next-generation solar cells by 2028. The initiative is intended to strengthen the country’s position in advanced photovoltaic technologies and increase the competitiveness of domestic manufacturers.
The government has also designated key solar power equipment and components as essential economic security items. This measure is designed to protect domestic manufacturing capabilities, strengthen supply chains, and reduce vulnerabilities associated with dependence on external suppliers.
To encourage private investment, the K-GX Strategy combines public financial support with targeted tax incentives. The government plans to introduce domestic production tax credits for key equipment and components used in solar power, wind power, and secondary batteries. These measures are expected to support local manufacturing, improve investment visibility, and encourage businesses to expand clean technology production.
Major corporations are also participating through K-GX Signature Projects. Hanwha Qcells is leading initiatives focused on localizing key clean power generation materials and developing advanced perovskite tandem solar cells.
Through coordinated government funding, regional participation, and private-sector innovation, South Korea aims to accelerate its green transition, strengthen industrial competitiveness, and establish itself as a global manufacturing powerhouse for renewable energy and other clean technologies by 2035.
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