Issue Implementation gap in Korea's 100 GW renewable target, with most volume still before permitting

Summary

The government plans to back its 100 GW goal by converting the generation-based renewable portfolio standard into a capacity-based deployment obligation and replacing the REC spot market with competitive auctions and long-term fixed-price contracts. It also plans to relax setback rules, introduce planned siting and unify generation licensing to expand renewable potential and remove bottlenecks. Solar additions are to come from ten gigawatt-scale flagship complexes totalling 12.0 GW, 37.0 GW on four types of idle policy sites and 7.2 GW on other idle spaces. However, only a limited part of the 100 GW has been firmed up through construction starts or winning bids, and much of the flagship and policy-site volume has yet to find sites or obtain permits. Actual additions to 2030 could deviate widely from the plan depending on grid access, profitability and permitting speed, and most large projects are unlikely to be completed before 2028.