Forests disappear, seas face conflict... the paradox of green. By Hanmi Daily Synthesis

Table of Contents

① The Essence of Green Policy is Gold Policy

② The Paradox of Solar and Wind Power — Forests Vanished, Leaving Only Debt

③ ESG Disclosure and Financial Dependence — Why are Korean Companies Trapped?

④ Citizens Pay Electricity Bills, Corporations Pay Bonds — The Costs Shifted by Green Energy

⑤ Korea's Path — Sustainability or Financial Dependence?

Solar Power That Displaced Forests

Since the government launched its policy to phase out nuclear power and expand renewable energy in 2017, solar power installations have surged nationwide. According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, over 30,000 solar power plants were installed between 2017 and 2022, with a total capacity exceeding 20 GW.

However, thousands of hectares of forest disappeared in the process. Data from the Korea Forest Service shows that approximately 3,300 hectares of mountainous land were permitted for solar installations during the same period, more than ten times the area of Yeouido. Forests are "nature's reservoirs" that absorb carbon, but they were pushed aside in the name of carbon neutrality. This revealed a fundamental contradiction: destroying carbon sinks in an attempt to reduce carbon emissions.

Onshore Wind Power, the Epicenter of Conflict

Onshore wind power projects were pursued across the country. Large wind farms were erected in places like Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province; Hallim, Jeju Island; and Shinan, Jeollanam Province, but they faced opposition from residents and controversy over environmental damage.

Wind turbines can reach heights of 150 meters, causing residents insomnia and headaches due to low-frequency noise and shadow flicker. Blockage of bird migration routes and bird collision damage have also been reported. In Jeju, cases of endangered birds colliding with wind turbines and dying have been confirmed. However, the government and developers ignored the voices of residents, citing "carbon reduction" as their justification.

A Grand Experiment at Sea, Offshore Wind Power

As onshore wind power faced local opposition, the government turned its attention to the sea. An 8.2 GW offshore wind farm, one of the world's largest, is being pursued off the coast of Shinan, Jeollanam Province. Projects are underway in various sea areas nationwide, including floating offshore wind farms in Ulsan and coastal installations in Gunsan and Jeju.

However, offshore wind power is not free from conflict. Fishermen have protested, expressing concerns about reduced catches and navigational restrictions. Indeed, in Shinan, hundreds of fishermen have filed administrative lawsuits, calling it a "green policy that robs us of our livelihoods." The potential for disruption of the marine ecosystem and destruction of seabed habitats has also been consistently raised.

Economic viability is also a serious issue. According to the Korea Electric Power Research Institute, the generation cost of offshore wind power is over 200 won per kWh, three times that of nuclear power (65 won) and more expensive than solar power. The installation and maintenance costs are enormous, making the projects unfeasible without substantial subsidies. Europe's offshore wind industry has grown due to subsidies and its electricity market structure, but Korea's projects are economically fragile. Ultimately, offshore wind power also falls into a structure where "profits go to developers and financial institutions, while the burden falls on the public."

Costs Exceed Benefits

Despite the expansion of solar and wind power, electricity supply stability has instead been undermined. This is because generation output fluctuates significantly with the weather. Korea Electric Power Corporation still needs to operate thermal and nuclear power plants in parallel. In 2022, coal power still accounted for over 34% of the energy mix.

The difference in generation costs has led to an increased burden on citizens. Solar power costs 160 won per kWh, offshore wind power over 200 won per kWh, and nuclear power around 65 won per kWh. This difference has been covered by government subsidies and electricity bills. Ultimately, citizens have borne the costs through electricity price hikes, and the government has faced fiscal deficits.

A Warning of the Waste Panel Tsunami

Solar panels have a lifespan of only 20-25 years. The Ministry of Environment estimates that by 2030, 80,000 tons of waste panels will be generated, and by 2040, this will exceed 2 million tons annually. However, there are only three recycling facilities nationwide, capable of handling less than 10% of the total volume.

Panels contain heavy metals such as lead and cadmium, posing a significant risk of soil and water contamination if left untreated. This suggests that "green" initiatives could revert into new environmental disasters.

Public Taxes Returned as Debt

The scale of renewable energy subsidies between 2018 and 2022 exceeded 12 trillion won. Korea Electric Power Corporation purchased RECs (Renewable Energy Certificates) at high prices, and the losses were passed on as electricity price increases. In 2022 alone, electricity prices were raised three times.

The government cited rising international fuel prices as a reason, but experts point to renewable energy subsidies and carbon neutrality costs as major contributing factors. An accounting expert, identified as Mr. A, criticized, "The electricity bills paid by citizens are effectively becoming stable returns for investors and financial institutions."

Divided Villages, Only Conflict Remains

Renewable energy projects have divided local communities. Some residents, having received compensation, supported the projects, while others opposed them due to concerns about landslide risks and landscape degradation. In some areas, lawsuits and even physical confrontations have occurred.

Most of the project rights were acquired by large corporations and external capital, leaving residents with only noise, disputes, and increased electricity bills. The slogan of "green growth" ironically ended up dismantling communities.

The Paradox of Green

Ultimately, renewable energy has created new environmental destruction and social conflict rather than saving the environment. Solar power has led to deforestation, wind power has divided residents and fishermen, and offshore wind power has increased the burden on citizens due to high costs. The name "green" has become a symbol of debt and division.

Part ③ will cover how Korean companies are losing their autonomy and becoming dependent in the context of mandatory ESG disclosure and the global financial scoreboard.

Key Concept Summary

Forest Destruction: 3,300 hectares of mountainous land permitted for solar power between 2017-2022 (10 times the area of Yeouido).

Onshore Wind Power: Low-frequency noise and bird collision damage, resident opposition.

Offshore Wind Power: Large-scale projects like Shinan's 8.2 GW, fishermen's opposition, lack of economic viability.

Waste Panel Issue: Estimated 2 million tons annually by 2040, insufficient processing infrastructure.

Cost Transfer: Generation costs 2.5-3 times higher than nuclear power, borne by citizens through subsidies and electricity bills.

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