Environment ministry eases solar rules to boost Geum River residents' income

The climate, energy and environment ministry on July 28 revised a presidential decree to expand renewable energy installations for residents living in the Geum River water source protection area, aiming to increase their real income through solar power generation. The change was driven by the need to address operational gaps in the current system and explicitly separate income-boosting renewable projects from other welfare initiatives.

The amendment distinguishes renewable energy facility projects from existing special support programs. By separating these costs, expenses for installing and operating solar facilities are excluded when calculating the 30 percent annual cap on special support funds. Previously, solar installations in these protected zones were restricted to building rooftops, specific public facility sites, and private housing plots, with water-surface installations prohibited.

Under the new rules, resident cooperatives and individuals in protected water source zones can install solar panels on village halls, public facilities, and private homes without previous strict site limitations. The regulation also permits local governments and water managers to operate floating solar facilities if residents participate in the power generation business, lifting a prior ban on water-surface installations. These measures aim to establish a sustainable income foundation by sharing power generation profits with local residents.

"We have revised the regulations to support residents who wish to benefit from solar income by significantly expanding the installation of renewable energy facilities," said Jo Hee-song, director of the Water Management Policy Office at the ministry. "Through this, we will realize a model of sustainable development suitable for a new era of symbiosis between the local economy and the environment."

The revised decree, Presidential Decree No. 36538, was promulgated and took effect on July 28. However, changes regarding calculation limits for special support funds will apply starting from the 2027 fiscal year's resident support budget.