Renewable energy share in power generation South Korea 2022, by source

Solar energy made up over half of all power generated from new and renewable sources in South Korea in 2022. Energy from biomass, such as biogas and biodiesel, accounted for around one-fifth of new and renewable power generated that year. The share of renewable energy in power production has steadily increased over the years.

Emissions trading and reduction 

South Korea has implemented the national emissions trading scheme (K-ETS) to further incentivize emissions reductions using the market system. The number of entities certified under the K-ETS has grown over the years, and the system has encouraged the creation of emission reduction strategies within them. On top of the scheme, the country plans to further develop the use of alternative energy sources in its energy portfolio to meet its emission reduction goals. 

Alternative energy in South Korea

Of the non-fossil fuel alternatives, nuclear energy stands as one of the more prominent, making up over 30 percent of electricity production. One advantage it has over other renewable sources such as solar or wind is that it does not rely on agreeable weather conditions for production. Such alternative sources, alongside renewable energy, will become more important for South Korea as it faces the growing risks of climate change.