Environment ministry moves to cut transmission towers and boost local income

The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment announced a strategy to minimize resident damage from transmission line construction while expanding financial support. Kim Sung-hwan, the minister of climate, energy and environment, presented the measures to improve public acceptance of grid expansion during a State Council meeting.

Facing surging electricity demand from advanced industries like semiconductors and data centers, the government identified timely power network expansion as a critical national task. The plan addresses long-standing concerns regarding insufficient information, lack of opinion reflection, and inadequate compensation during site selection.

A central pillar involves integrating new power lines with existing infrastructure to drastically reduce the number of new steel towers required. By combining new two-circuit lines with existing ones to create four-circuit structures, the ministry estimates it can cut the number of new towers by up to 40 percent, or 2,214 units, in ongoing national grid projects. The ministry plans to institutionalize this method to prioritize reviewing integration possibilities when installing new transmission lines.

The ministry also pledged to expand underground cabling in densely populated areas using national fiscal support. Priority reviews for burying lines are underway in Jangseong County, Yuseong District in Daejeon, Gunsan, Cheongyang, Sejong, and Cheongju. Additionally, exit sections within approximately two kilometers of new 345kV substations where multiple lines converge will prioritize underground installation.

To provide direct economic benefits, the government plans to establish "Grid Sunshine Income Villages" around transmission networks. Under a revised enforcement decree expected within the year, two-thirds of the 2 billion won per kilometer in support funds paid to local governments will be dedicated to installing solar facilities in these villages. Residents in affected areas could see annual household incomes rise by as much as 3 million won.

Procedural reforms will require mandatory business briefings from the early stages of site selection and increase the number of sessions from two to three. The ministry will allow residents to observe selection committee meetings and will itself participate to ensure democratic operations. Furthermore, at least two candidate routes must be proposed to give resident representatives greater choice in the final location.

Kim noted that the power grid is essential infrastructure supporting the energy transition and industrial growth, emphasizing the need to share substantial benefits to reduce social conflict. He cited a recent case in Gochang where residents voluntarily agreed to host a substation as proof that sincere communication and tangible local rewards can drive development.