South Korea's Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment presented a power grid innovation plan on 29 September 2026. The goal is to ensure the connection of more than 100 GW of renewable energy by 2030.
The document "Measures for Power Grid Innovation" describes five strategies. They combine long-term grid construction with short-term solutions to optimise existing infrastructure.
A key element is a flexible grid access system. It includes voluntary connection using energy storage systems (ESS) and giving renewable projects priority over fossil fuel ones.
The plan also changes the procedure for granting access rights: instead of the "first come, first served" principle, a competitive selection process is introduced. This will allow an additional 20 GW of renewable energy to be accommodated in the Yeongnam and Gangwon regions.
As a result, transmission-level capacity will grow from 119 GW to 171 GW, and distribution-level capacity from 84 GW to 110 GW. How will this step affect the pace of the country's energy transition?
The initiative meets the growing demand from high-tech industries and accelerates the move away from dependence on imported fossil fuels. The government and Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) will carry out its implementation.
