In South Korea, the Ministry of Environment announced that local distance regulations on renewable energy installations will be relaxed, allowing for more consistent and less arbitrary regulations at a national level. These distance regulations, which have been set by local governments, have been criticized for hindering the expansion of renewable energy by imposing excessive and variable standards. Under the new rules, minimum distance requirements will generally be prohibited, with exceptions only for cultural heritage and ecological protection areas, thus promoting both renewable energy development and the protection of important sites.

A significant change in terminology will also occur; terms previously conflated as 'new and renewable energy' will now be distinctly categorized into 'renewable energy,' which encompasses solar and wind sources, and 'new energy,' including hydrogen energy. This clarification aims to resolve administrative inefficiencies and prevent statistical distortions caused by previously combining these categories. The updated Renewable Energy Act and the Hydrogen Economy Promotion Act will provide clearer guidelines for the development and use of these different energy types, ensuring better regulatory oversight and support for clean energy initiatives.

Minister of Environment Kim Sung-hwan expressed that these legislative adjustments signify a critical step towards enhancing South Korea’s renewable energy capacity while emphasizing environmentally responsible practices. As communities will have clearer, standardized regulations for renewable energy projects, it is expected that this reform will encourage broader participation in government-backed renewable energy sharing initiatives, thereby accelerating the transition towards a low-carbon economy in the country.