Climate Change Solutions Update

Tag: South Korea

  • The case for railway-integrated solar in South Korea

    An international research team has investigated the potential of installing PV systems between railway tracks in South Korea to expand solar generation without competing for land. They found that suitable sections of five surface railway corridors could host over 8.5 MW of PV capacity, utilizing existing transport infrastructure in densely populated areas. The researchers assessed various factors such as electricity generation, storage capacity, financial performance, and potential for grid exports and curtailment. They estimated annual generation at 9.95 GWh, with a capacity factor of 13.4%, and found that adding a 0.5 kWh/kW battery could significantly reduce surplus generation that would otherwise be curtailed. A study on climate-resilient urban energy infrastructure in South Korea found that integrating photovoltaics into rail systems could lead to a 10% increase in energy delivery efficiency, with a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) calculated at 170 USD/MWh and a 68% probability of payback within 12 years with a 40% capital subsidy. The research, published in Engineering Science and Technology, involved scientists from South Korea, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/10/03/the-case-for-railway-integrated-solar-in-south-korea/

  • South Korea marks major shift to sodium-ion batteries to regain market

    South Korea has released a new Battery Industry Technology Roadmap focusing on sodium-ion batteries for energy storage systems and lower-cost EVs, aiming for an energy density of 160 Wh/kg by 2027 and 220 Wh/kg by 2030, with full commercialization in 2030. The roadmap also includes plans for solid-state batteries targeting high-performance EVs, robots, drones, and urban air mobility. South Korean companies are investing in research and production facilities for sodium-ion and solid-state battery technologies, with the government proposing measures to encourage battery recycling and production tax credits starting in 2027.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/09/30/south-korea-marks-major-shift-to-sodium-ion-batteries-to-regain-market/

  • Solar panel waste silver turned into catalyst for carbon monoxide production

    Researchers in South Korea have developed hierarchically structured electrocatalysts for CO2-to-CO electrolysis, achieving a current density of 200 mA/cm2 with a CO selectivity of around 95%. This method involves upcycling silver nanoparticles from end-of-life silicon solar panels into electrocatalysts, allowing for sustained CO production for over 600 hours. The rough catalyst surface prevents flooding inside the electrolyzer, demonstrating high flooding tolerance and stable CO2 electrolysis. This innovative approach not only advances sustainable carbon dioxide conversion but also offers a durable alternative to resource-intensive commercial catalysts, potentially leading to more efficient and sustainable methods for converting CO2 into CO, a valuable chemical feedstock.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/09/25/solar-panel-waste-silver-turned-into-catalyst-for-carbon-monoxide-production/

  • South Korea’s new agrivoltaics law sets 30-year permit ceiling

    South Korea has recently passed a new agrivoltaics law, joining Italy and Japan in promoting the combination of solar generation with agricultural production. The law sets a maximum project period of up to 30 years and restricts eligibility to local farmers, cooperatives, and qualifying agricultural corporations. Operators are required to continue agricultural production annually and maintain solar equipment, with technical details to be determined by a future presidential decree. Italy requires sites to maintain 80% of standard agricultural output, while Japan lacks a dedicated statute but has a national agrivoltaics guidance framework. South Korea plans to nearly double government funding for agrivoltaics, with the Haenam solar complex already including 10 MW of agricultural PV capacity.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/09/17/south-koreas-new-agrivoltaics-law-sets-30-year-permit-ceiling/

  • South Korea proceeds with largest single-site PV project to date

    South Korea is set to build its largest solar complex, the 400 MW Haenam solar power complex, on idle land in the south of the country. The project, expected to be completed in 2028, will supply electricity to companies and industrial complexes with renewable energy targets. The project aims to lower power generation costs and will use domestically-produced solar modules, cells, and inverters. It also includes a resident participation and profit-sharing system, returning a total of KRW 150 billion to the local community. Additionally, a portion of the complex will be developed as agricultural solar power, in line with South Korea's agrivoltaics legislation.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/08/06/south-korea-proceeds-with-largest-single-site-pv-project-to-date/

  • The Hydrogen Stream: green hydrogen production begins at North Sea gas platform

    The PosHYdon pilot project in the North Sea has successfully produced green hydrogen by combining offshore wind power, natural gas production, and hydrogen production. Hyundai Motor Group has opened its first waste-to-hydrogen production facility in South Korea, while RCT Hydrogen has received a purchase order for a 10 MW electrolyzer project in Portugal. The Nordic-Baltic Hydrogen Corridor is seeing strong market demand for hydrogen infrastructure, and the European Commission is planning the next round of the Hydrogen Mechanism to focus on energy infrastructure development.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/07/24/the-hydrogen-stream-green-hydrogen-production-begins-at-north-sea-gas-platform/

  • Head of IEA Roasts Europe for “Slow Electrification”

    The International Energy Agency (IEA) criticizes Europe's low electrification rate of 23%, highlighting the vulnerability of the EU's heating, transport, and industrial sectors to supply disruptions due to heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels. Despite industry pushback, the EU is considering plans to lower taxes on electricity and support the adoption of green technologies like heat pumps and electric cars to catch up to countries like China, Japan, and South Korea with electrification rates above 30%. The question remains whether the EU will make significant progress in increasing electrification to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate climate change.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/07/12/head-of-iea-roasts-europe-for-slow-electrification/

  • The Hydrogen Stream: bp and Iberdrola set to commission Spain’s largest project

    BP, Iberdrola, Moeve, Hyundai Motor Group, ITM, RWE, and Snam are all making significant strides in the development of green hydrogen projects and hydrogen technologies. With projects nearing completion in Spain, final investment decisions being approved, and commitments to develop hydrogen infrastructure in Germany and South Korea, these companies are paving the way for a more sustainable future. From setting up advanced AI and hydrogen technology hubs to shipping final batches of stacks for electrolyzer plants, these efforts are crucial in the transition to a low-carbon economy. Snam's commitment of €200 million by 2030 to develop a hydrogen backbone using existing gas pipelines further demonstrates the growing momentum towards climate solutions in the energy sector.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/03/06/the-hydrogen-stream-bp-and-iberdrola-set-to-commission-spains-largest-project/

  • Moves afoot to bring balcony solar to Australia, and new wave of products has batteries included

    Efforts are underway in Australia to enable renters and apartment dwellers to install solar and battery systems on their balconies, following examples from Europe, India, South Korea, and Utah. The main challenge lies in changing regulations to ensure safety and compliance with electrical standards, with testing being conducted on balcony batteries for backup power during outages. Various organizations and governments are working to overcome legal and regulatory barriers to make plug-in balcony solar and batteries a reality in Australia. Advocates are pushing for regulatory changes to make balcony solar more accessible, highlighting benefits such as running critical devices during power cuts and tapping into dynamic tariff pricing. Despite challenges like outdated technology and conservative committees, there is potential for government intervention to drive progress towards clean energy solutions in Australia.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/moves-afoot-to-bring-balcony-solar-to-australia-and-new-wave-of-products-has-batteries-included/

  • The Hydrogen Stream: Verna completes first two hydrogen pilot wells in Canada

    Vema Hydrogen has completed two pilot hydrogen wells in Quebec, Canada, while Advait Greenergy and InSolare Energy are progressing on hydrogen projects in India. Canada and South Korea are discussing potential collaboration in auto manufacturing for Hyundai/Kia in Canada, with a focus on hydrogen energy. The University of Cagliari and the Indian Institute of Technology are collaborating on a research project on hydrogen energy systems. Hiringa Energy has reached Financial Close on the Kapuni Project in New Zealand, integrating wind, industrial renewable electricity supply, and green hydrogen production at scale. These developments highlight the importance of transitioning to renewable energy sources, such as solar power, to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Policy support and investment in renewable energy technologies are crucial to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels and meet global electricity demand with clean energy solutions.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/02/06/the-hydrogen-stream-verna-completes-first-two-hydrogen-pilot-wells-in-quebec/