South Korea to reduce transmission towers and share benefits with residents
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The South Korean government plans to reduce the number of new transmission towers by up to 40% as it expands the national power grid, and will increase underground power lines in densely populated areas.
The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment announced the plan on September 15, citing growing electricity demand from industries like semiconductors and data centers, as well as increased renewable energy generation. The government intends to consolidate existing and new power lines onto single towers whenever possible.
Applying this approach to current national grid projects could reduce the number of new towers by approximately 2,214. Officials will also prioritize burying power lines in areas like Jangseong County, Daejeon Yuseong District, Gunsan and Cheongyang, and Sejong and Cheongju.
To benefit communities near the power lines, the government will create “Grid Sunlight Income Villages.” It will revise regulations by the end of the year to direct two-thirds of funds, currently 2 billion won per kilometer, allocated to local governments along power line routes towards installing solar power facilities. The government estimates residents in these villages could earn up to 3 million won annually per household.
The government will also increase public involvement in selecting transmission line locations, mandating initial resident briefings and expanding the number of project briefings held by the site selection committee. It plans to present at least two potential routes to residents, giving them more say in the process.
