Balanced regional development and carbon neutrality: can agrivoltaics be the answer?

The Korean government and local authorities are pushing solar and wind expansion strategies in earnest to meet carbon-neutrality targets and grow renewable supply. Agrivoltaics — installing solar panels above farmland to combine agriculture and energy production — is drawing particular attention.

The Potential of Agrivoltaics

Assuming 10% land use and 15% capacity factor, agrivoltaics could generate more than 350 TWh/year, enough to cover over half of national electricity demand.

Regional potential:

• Gangwon, South & North Gyeongsang, South & North Jeolla, Jeju: agrivoltaics alone could meet regional electricity demand
• Gyeonggi, North Chungcheong, South Chungcheong: combined with wind, could substantially raise energy self-sufficiency

Challenges to Overcome

Several practical barriers exist:

• Restrictions on installation in agricultural promotion zones
• Complex permitting processes
• Concerns about reduced agricultural productivity
• Conflicts with residents

Government Response

The government is reforming the system: designating farmers as project operators, focusing on lower-grade farmland, and tightening permitting and post-installation oversight.

Successful adoption requires cooperation among government, local authorities, farmers, and energy companies, alongside technical research and region-specific policy.