Environment ministry expands renewable energy support for water source residents

The Ministry of Climate Energy and Environment said it has amended a presidential decree to expand renewable energy installation support for residents living near major water sources, aiming to offset income losses caused by development restrictions.

The revision explicitly categorizes renewable energy facility operations as a special support project distinct from general welfare programs. By separating these initiatives, costs for installing renewable energy facilities are excluded when calculating the 30 percent cap applied to special support project budgets. This ensures that funds dedicated to income generation do not reduce the money available for other resident assistance measures such as welfare enhancement.

Communities in the upstream areas of the Yeongsan and Seomjin rivers can now install facilities on village halls, public buildings, and private homes while sharing generated power revenues. Resident cooperatives in water source protection zones may also install solar arrays without standard site restrictions, and local water managers are permitted to operate floating solar projects if residents participate in the power generation business.

Jo Hee-song, director of the Water Management Policy Office at the ministry, said the regulation was revised to support residents wishing to benefit from solar income through large-scale expansion of renewable facilities.

"The move aims to realize a model of sustainable development where regional economies and environmental preservation thrive together in a new era," he added.

The amended decree takes effect immediately, though changes regarding calculation limits for special support funds will apply starting from the 2027 fiscal year.