Public Parking Lots Over 1,000 Square Meters Must Install Solar Power

Public parking lots exceeding 1,000 square meters (about 303 pyeong) will be required to install renewable energy generation facilities such as solar power.

The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment announced on the 11th that it passed an amendment to the enforcement decree of the ‘New and Renewable Energy Development, Utilization and Distribution Promotion Act’ (신재생에너지법) at a Cabinet meeting. The amendment will take effect from the 28th.

The core of the amendment mandates that public parking lots with a parking area of 1,000 square meters or more must have power generation facilities of 100 kilowatts (kW) or higher. Given the structural characteristics of parking lots, which are conducive to rooftop installations, solar power generation facilities are expected to be primarily installed.

This measure aims to expand the distribution of renewable energy to urban areas. The ministry has previously broadened the renewable energy base through a system mandating renewable energy supply obligations for power generators and mandatory installations in public institution buildings.

The government plans to hold policy briefing sessions for local governments and public institutions starting in December. Minister Kim Sung-whan of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment stated, “The mandatory installation of renewable energy facilities in public parking lots is a measure to enhance the efficiency of national land use,” adding, “We will expedite the carbon-free green transition by expanding the distribution of renewable energy in various ways.”