The path to achieving RE100 (supplying 100% of electricity used with renewable energy), once considered an 'impossible mission' for domestic manufacturing companies, is increasingly likely to emerge from rice paddies and fields. With the legal foundation for farming-type solar recently established, it is now assessed that renewable energy transition scenarios for power-intensive companies such as Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, which have production facilities in Gyeonggi-do and Chungcheong regions, are moving into the realm of reality.
If 3% of national potential is utilized, Samsung's RE100 goal becomes 'achievable'
According to an analysis by MoneyToday on the 31st, the solar power generation capacity required for Samsung Electronics to replace 100% of its electricity usage across all domestic operations with renewable energy is estimated at approximately 19.3 GW (gigawatts). This figure was derived based on Samsung Electronics' disclosed annual domestic electricity consumption of 25,111 GWh (gigawatt-hours) in its 2024 Sustainability Report last year, using the national average daily sunshine hours (3.6 hours) and assuming an annual generation output of approximately 1,300 MWh per 1 MW (megawatt) facility.
Although Samsung Electronics' domestic electricity consumption is substantial, it represents a relatively small portion compared to the potential of farming-type solar. It accounts for just 2.8% of Korea's total farming-type solar potential (682 GW), as calculated by the Korea Environment Institute (KEI) based on domestic agricultural land area. This figure itself represents the maximum estimate assuming Samsung Electronics would source all its domestic electricity exclusively from new solar installations. When considering volumes already transitioned to renewable energy and the share that future onshore and offshore wind power will cover, the actual scale of farming-type solar required would be even smaller.
Farming-type solar involves installing panels over agricultural land to simultaneously conduct farming and power generation. This model is already commercialized in Japan, Europe, and the United States. Although crop yields may decrease slightly (approximately 10–30% for rice cultivation), it provides additional income for farmers and allows renewable energy expansion without damaging farmland, making it a viable option that satisfies the interests of both rural communities and energy consumers. In Korea, the relevant law was passed by the National Assembly on April 7 last year, establishing an institutional foundation.
Renewable energy supply possible without building transmission networks through 'local production for local consumption'
In particular, if even a tiny fraction of Korea's farming-type solar potential is developed into generation facilities and companies purchase the generated electricity (through Power Purchase Agreements, or PPAs), benefits could arise for farmers, corporations, and the nation. Farmers would gain solar revenue, companies would secure renewable energy, and the country would accelerate its NDC (National Determined Contribution) implementation and strengthen energy security.
The government is also paying attention to the potential of farming-type solar. In its 'First Renewable Energy Basic Plan' released on the 19th of last month, it announced that out of the additional 56.2 GW of solar capacity to be secured by 2030, 11.1 GW would be sourced from farming-type and floating solar installations. Given that even utilizing farmland near Gyeonggi-do, where key production hubs for power-intensive companies like Samsung Electronics are concentrated, could meaningfully resolve electricity supply-demand issues (as reported by MoneyToday on February 3: "Gigawatt-scale solar generation possible in Seoul metropolitan area farmland"), it is emerging as a practical alternative.
Most importantly, if 'local production for local consumption' becomes feasible—supplying clean power generated from nearby farmland directly to semiconductor lines—it would allow renewable energy supply and consumption without the need for costly and time-consuming long-distance transmission line construction. If infrastructure investments such as energy storage systems (ESS) and distribution facilities are implemented in a timely manner alongside this, a practical breakthrough for cost-effective renewable energy supply could be achieved.
Professor Jeong Jae-hak of Yeungnam University's Department of Chemical Engineering, an authority on farming-type solar in Korea, stated, "Considering the overwhelming potential of farming-type solar, achieving RE100 for domestic companies including Samsung Electronics is mathematically entirely feasible." He emphasized, "Ultimately, the key issue is one of time and will." He further suggested, "If investments in ESS and other areas are pursued concurrently, a model where rural communities and corporations coexist could be realized."
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