North Gyeongsang Province Launches Solar Income Village Initiative

North Gyeongsang Province is accelerating its "Solar Income Village" initiative to boost farm household income and strengthen energy self-sufficiency.

The provincial government announced on the 28th that it will fully implement the Solar Income Village program and large-scale agrivoltaic projects as part of its future revenue model.

Solar Income Villages are community-led projects where villages install and operate solar power plants of 1,000 kW or less on communal facilities, reservoirs, and idle land. The distinguishing feature is that power generation revenues are shared collectively at the village level.

The province is currently conducting preliminary demand surveys across 22 cities and counties to identify potential project sites. Based on these findings, it plans to apply for related central government competitive funding programs.

North Gyeongsang Province is also pursuing large-scale agrivoltaic projects on farmland near provincial industrial complexes to support companies pursuing RE100 commitments. Electricity generated from these facilities will be supplied directly to export-oriented companies requiring RE100 certification through Power Purchase Agreements.

The province plans to commission feasibility studies for large-scale agrivoltaic installations on farmland near national and regional industrial complexes in seven areas: Pohang, Gyeongju, Andong, Gumi, Gimcheon, Yeongju, and Gyeongsan.

Additionally, North Gyeongsang Province is accelerating energy welfare programs to stabilize the local economy. Since 2019, the province has invested 15.4 billion won to supply high-efficiency heating and cooling systems to welfare facilities. This year, an additional 2 billion won will fund approximately 510 units across 15 cities and counties.

The province will also replace lighting with LED fixtures at approximately 1,033 locations serving vulnerable populations, expected to reduce energy consumption by approximately 50% compared to existing lighting.

Through its "Small Business Energy Efficiency Grade-1 Appliance Purchase Support Program" launched last year, the province continues to promote energy conservation and ease operational burdens for small business owners.

On the 25th, the province held an "Energy Policy and Support Program Meeting" at the Eastern Government Complex with energy project officials from cities and counties, agreeing to actively advance related initiatives.

"Solar Income Villages and agrivoltaic projects are key policy initiatives for expanding renewable energy, and will significantly contribute to increasing farm household income and strengthening energy self-sufficiency," said Kim Mi-kyung, Director of the Energy Industry Bureau at North Gyeongsang Province.