Presidential office to push for special law on renewable energy zones

SEOUL, July 10 (Yonhap) -- The presidential office said Thursday it will push for a special law to establish industrial zones entirely powered by renewable energy sources, in a move aimed at addressing regional power imbalances. Presidential chief of staff for policy Kim Yong-beom told reporters that the initiative seeks to pave the way for the creation of "RE100" industrial zones, where companies operate using 100 percent renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. President Lee Jae Myung, who was briefed on the plan during a meeting with senior aides, proposed a range of incentives for companies operating in the zones, including easing regulations, improving living conditions and discounts on electricity bills, Kim said. The zones are intended to alleviate the electricity demand imbalance, as consumption remains heavily concentrated in the Seoul metropolitan area while southwestern regions possess abundant renewable energy resources, Kim said. A task force comprising the ministries of industry, finance and transport will be formed to draft the special legislation and oversee the implementation of the RE100 zones. Kim Yong-beom, the presidential chief of staff for policy, announces the plan to make special laws on renewable energy industrial zones during a press briefing at the presidential office in Seoul on July 10, 2025. (Yonhap) ejkim@yna.co.kr(END)