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Opportunities and Challenges of Solar and Wind Energy in South Korea: A Review

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  • Mohammed H. Alsharif

    (Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Electronics and Information Engineering, Sejong University, 209 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05006, Korea)

  • Jeong Kim

    (Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Electronics and Information Engineering, Sejong University, 209 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05006, Korea)

  • Jin Hong Kim

    (Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Electronics and Information Engineering, Sejong University, 209 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05006, Korea)

Abstract

South Korea is the ninth biggest energy consumer and the seventh biggest carbon dioxide emitter in global energy consumption since 2016. Accordingly, the Korean government currently faces a two-fold significant challenge to improve energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. One of the most promising solutions to achieve the goals of sustainable development, energy security, and environmental protection is intensifying the role of renewable energy in electricity production. To this end, the Korean government plans to increase investments in the green energy field, where solar and wind energy will soon play a decisive role toward meeting energy demands and achieving a climate-friendly environment. In this context, this study discusses the future of solar and wind energy in South Korea in four key aspects: (i) opportunities and potential achievement of the vision of government; (ii) potential daily energy output across different geographical areas; (iii) current status and prospects; and (iv) challenges and potential solutions.

Suggested Citation

  • Mohammed H. Alsharif & Jeong Kim & Jin Hong Kim, 2018. "Opportunities and Challenges of Solar and Wind Energy in South Korea: A Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(6), pages 1-23, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:10:y:2018:i:6:p:1822-:d:150027
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    13. Rabbani, Rabab & Zeeshan, Muhammad, 2022. "Impact of policy changes on financial viability of wind power plants in Pakistan," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 193(C), pages 789-806.
    14. Hong, Sanghyun & Kim, Eunsung & Jeong, Saerok, 2023. "Evaluating the sustainability of the hydrogen economy using multi-criteria decision-making analysis in Korea," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 204(C), pages 485-492.
    15. Choo, Hyunwoong & Kim, Yong-Gun & Kim, Dongwoo, 2024. "Power sector carbon reduction review for South Korea in 2030," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 196(C).
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    19. Hanwoong Kim & Haewon McJeon & Dawoon Jung & Hanju Lee & Candelaria Bergero & Jiyong Eom, 2021. "Integrated Assessment Modeling of Korea 2050 Carbon Neutrality Technology Pathways," Papers 2111.01598, arXiv.org.

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