The Democratic Party of Korea said it would push for an energy transition toward renewable sources such as solar power, using the Middle East crisis as a catalyst.
Han Jeong-ae, the party's policy committee chairperson, made the remarks at a floor leadership meeting held at the National Assembly on Wednesday. "We must now shift the energy security paradigm toward renewable energy," Han said.
Han argued that now is the right time for an energy transition, as the Middle East situation is fueling instability in crude oil supply. "Renewable energy, which harnesses sunlight and wind and can be produced domestically, is the most realistic alternative that can reduce import dependency and strengthen energy sovereignty as it expands," she said. "Especially at a time when electricity demand is surging due to AI data centers and expanding investment in advanced industries, building a stable and sustainable power supply foundation is no longer a choice but a necessity," she stressed.
"The president has also ordered bold support and swift implementation, saying the great energy transition is a task on which the nation's fate depends," Han said. "The Democratic Party will also strongly back the government's energy transition policy."
"As many related projects have been included in the wartime supplementary budget, we will spare no effort in providing support in terms of legislation and budgets," she added. "We will work together as a party and government to move from being an energy import-dependent nation to an energy self-sufficient nation, and leap forward to become a top-three global power in AI and green manufacturing."