By Jang Daul Jang Daul As Korea celebrates its 79th National Liberation Day, we remember the monumental achievement of liberation from Japan's 36 years of colonial rule. Since 1945, Korea has undergone a remarkable transformation, achieving both democratization and industrialization. From the ruins of war, we have risen to become one of the world’s leading nations.
Korea’s achievements in science, technology, arts and sports have solidified it as one of the leaders on the world stage. As we reflect on these accomplishments, it is interesting to remember the wisdom of one of our independence fighters, Kim Koo. In his poignant essay "My Wish," he articulated a vision for Korea that went beyond mere strength and wealth.
He dreamed of Korea becoming the most beautiful country, a nation that fosters cultural power to bring happiness not only to its own people but also to the world. He emphasized that cultural power, the ability to inspire and uplift, was the true mark of a great nation. Today, Korea has indeed become a cultural leader, captivating global audiences with our films, dramas and music, reflecting the cultural richness that Kim envisioned.
However, while we may be a cultural leader, we must recognize that true leadership in the modern world requires more than just cultural influence. In the face of the current global climate crisis, we are called to lead in another critical area: energy independence from carbon-emitting fossil fuels. The climate crisis is an unprecedented challenge that demands a fundamental shift from fossil fuels to a renewable energy-based socio-economic system.
The era of endless mass production and consumption which exploits our finite planet relentlessly is coming to an end. We must transition to a new paradigm, one that acknowledges the limits of the Earth’s ecosystem and prioritizes sustainability and social justice. Korea’s renewable energy capacity is still way lower compared to other advanced countries.
As the global market increasingly shifts towards a net-zero economy, falling behind in this transition could weaken Korea’s industrial competitiveness. International initiatives and regulations such as the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), the U.S.
Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the RE100 initiative underscore the urgency of this shift. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has advised that advanced economies, including South Korea, should aim to achieve net-zero emissions from its power sector by 2035 and by 2040 for all the countries in the world. Ideally by 2035 and at the latest by 2040 — the 95th anniversary of our national liberation — we need to achieve zero carbon emissions from electricity generation.
Achieving this goal is scientifically required if we are to contribute meaningfully to the global effort to limit warming to 1.5 or 2 degrees Celsius. To achieve energy independence, we must focus on managing energy demand, increasing energy efficiency and expanding our renewable energy portfolio.
It is impossible to meet our growing energy demand solely through renewable energy expansion. Korea’s energy consumption has already surpassed that of Germany, a country with a much larger landmass, population and economy. Furthermore, the current government’s plan to more than double our power demand by 2050 is simply unsustainable.
We need a systematic approach that includes strict regulations and market mechanisms to manage power demand and enhance energy efficiency. For the expansion of renewable energy, a balanced approach between solar and wind power is crucial. Currently, it is too heavily weighted toward solar photovoltaic development.
Solar and wind are complementary, and Korea has significant potential for offshore wind development. All stakeholders — including the presidential office, relevant ministries, National Assembly, local governments, industries and civil society — must work together to harness this potential. The Special Offshore Wind Act is currently being discussed at the National Assembly.
Offshore wind development should not be viewed merely as one of several renewable energy policies but as a chance to nurture another major industry, following in the footsteps of our successes in shipbuilding, steel, cars and semiconductors. In conclusion, as we celebrate National Liberation Day, let us remember that true independence in the 21st century requires energy independence from carbon-emitting fossil fuels. By embracing renewable energies, Korea can lead the world in building a sustainable future.
This path will not only enhance our national security and economic resilience but also honor the legacy of those who fought for our freedom. As we strive to achieve this new form of independence, we will ensure that Korea remains a beacon of inspiration for the world. Jang Daul (daul@oceanenergypathway.
org) is a climate and energy expert and advocacy specialist..
