The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) is accelerating the development of renewable energy self-sufficient cities (RE100 industrial complexes), a key national policy task of the Lee Jae-myung administration.

According to the KONEPS (Korea ON-line E-Procurement System) on July 9, the Ministry announced a research project titled "Study on Establishing Power Models for Renewable Energy Self-Sufficient Cities" on the same day.

The budget for the project is 50 million won, and the research period is five months from the date of the contract.

The government is promoting the creation of renewable energy self-sufficient cities with the goals of helping companies achieve RE100 (using 100% renewable energy), fostering regional growth, and facilitating energy transition.

The Ministry previously announced plans to begin full-scale development this year.

While some predict that construction may be difficult to start within this year due to pending procedures, such as the "Special Act on the Creation and Support of Renewable Energy Self-Sufficient Cities" currently awaiting review in the National Assembly, the Ministry intends to proceed with the project as quickly as possible once the bill is passed.

In its request for proposals, the Ministry explained, "To ensure a swift launch of the project following the enactment of the special act, we need a research study to establish an RE100 industrial complex power supply model that will serve as the foundation for local government master plans and project implementation plans."

A Ministry official added, "We are preparing to draft the enforcement decrees and regulations immediately. By conducting this research, we can identify what needs to be included in advance, allowing us to push forward with the project quickly after the bill passes."

Through this research, the Ministry will design detailed business models to implement renewable energy power supply in accordance with the special act.

The plan includes developing strategies for renewable energy generation projects, establishing decentralized power grids, and building and operating Energy Storage Systems (ESS).

The study will also examine direct power purchase agreements (PPA) for renewable energy, rate structures, and guidelines for supplementary power supply.

The Mega-Regional Industrial Cooperation Division, which issued the research tender, is a new organization established by the Ministry on July 1 to oversee policies related to the Mega Special Zone Special Act and RE100 industrial complexes.

As the government emphasizes balanced regional development and pursues mega-projects—such as semiconductors, physical AI, and AI data centers—alongside the creation of renewable energy self-sufficient cities, the formation of this dedicated department is expected to provide momentum to policy design.