Environment ministry expands renewable energy support for Nakdong River residents

The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment said it had revised regulations to expand renewable energy installations for residents living in the Nakdong River water source protection area. The change aims to increase actual household income by distinguishing renewable energy facility installation and operation projects from existing capped support programs.

Under the amended Enforcement Decree of the Act on Water Management and Resident Support, costs for installing and operating renewable energy facilities are now excluded when calculating the 30 percent limit on special support business funds. This adjustment addresses long-standing constraints where upstream residents in water source protection zones faced restrictions on property rights.

The revision supports the installation and operation of renewable energy facilities at village halls, public facilities and private homes. Revenue generated from these installations will be shared with local residents.

The revision also relaxes site restrictions for resident cooperatives in water source protection zones, permitting them to install solar facilities without separate land requirements. Local governments acting as water surface managers may now participate in resident-led power generation projects, including floating solar installations.

Jo Hee-song, director of the Water Management Policy Office at the ministry, said the government modified the rules to support residents seeking benefits from solar income through large-scale renewable energy expansion. "We aim to realize a model of sustainable development where the local economy and environmental preservation coexist," Jo said.

The decree, promulgated as Presidential Decree No. 36537, took effect on July 28. The new calculations for special support fund limits will apply starting with the 2027 resident support budget.