South Korea’s target of 100 GW of renewable energy by 2030 is in jeopardy. While viable solar and wind projects are being delayed due to an outdated first-come first-served grid connection system, scarce grid capacity is occupied by fossil fuel and zombie projects.

The current first-come, first-served system should be replaced with a transparent “ready and needed” framework that prioritizes grid connection based on development readiness and alignment with decarbonization, energy security, and just transition goals.

Reform is especially urgent in coal-dependent regions such as Chungcheongnam-do, where delays in connecting renewable energy projects to the grid persist, despite the ongoing phase-out of coal power generation.

Policy Proposals:

1. The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment (MCEE) should reform grid connection queue policy from first-come first-served to a system based on project “readiness”

2. MCEE should introduce “sustainability” as a requirement to grid queue evaluation criteria

3. MCEE should require Korea Electric Power Corporation to disclose the criteria and information used to determine grid congestion, and should immediately revoke the designation of unnecessary grid management substations