The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (Minister Kim Hyeon-soo, MAFRA) announced that it selected 4 demonstration sites for Renewable Energy 100* for agriculture and rural villages in 2022. * An abbreviation for Renewable Energy 100%, a global campaign that aims to supply 100% of used electricity with renewable energy MAFRA conducted a final evaluation on February 24 after a nationwide public competition between cities and counties ('21.11.17 ~'22.1.25). As a result of the evaluation, ‘Chuncheon, Gangwon-do’, ‘Seocheon, Chungnam-do’, ‘Hongseong, Chungnam-do’, ‘Hwasun, Jeonnam-do’were selected as final destinations.

This project is to demonstrate ‘Renewable Energy 100’ in rural villages through renewable energy production and energy efficiency improvement. The selected sites receive support packages including ① consultation on energy consumption diagnosis, ② installation of renewable energy power generation facilities (power plant for the village) on idle land in the village, ③ installation of renewable energy generation facilities for self-consumption of electricity in housing and agricultural production, processing and distribution facilities, ④ energy efficiency improvement and remodeling for common facilities such as senior centers and village halls, etc.
* KRW 1,786 million × 4 locations, support for 2 years (50% from the government, 40-50% from local expenses, 10% self-fund)

The selected villages carry out site selection, facility operation and management with the consent of the residents. Importantly, village power plants are operated and managed by local residents. Proceeds from power generation are used for welfare projects and community funds for the energy vulnerable in the local community.

Director Yu Mi-Seon of the Rural Renewable Energy Team from MAFRA said, “We selected areas where local residents have a high interest and the local government has a strong driving force for the project.” She expressed expectations saying, “It will greatly contribute to not only expanding the supply of new and renewable energy in rural areas, but also reducing electricity bills and improving the environment of communal living facilities.”