Chief Presidential Policy Secretary Kim Yong-beom on July 10 gives a briefing on the proposed launch of industrial complexes using 100% renewable energy at the news conference room of the Office of the President in Seoul's Yongsan-gu District. (Yonhap News)

By Xu Aiying

The Office of the President on July 10 announced its pursuit of the enactment of a special law on setting up and supporting industrial complexes using 100% renewable energy (RE100) and new energy cities.

Chief Presidential Policy Secretary Kim Yong-beom told a briefing the same day, "We reported the plan to promote RE100 industrial complexes to the president at a meeting of senior secretaries and aides that he chaired."

Such facilities would fully meet the RE100 demand of companies and utilize all of a host region's renewable energy potential. The basic concept is to attract cutting-edge companies to areas rich in green energy and have them fully utilize such power sources.

Receiving a related report, President Lee said, "In principle, examine (the complex) to make it a 'zero regulation' area," adding, "Consider more innovative measures for educational and settlement support as well as drastic discount benefits on electricity fees for companies at the complex."

"The revamp of the industrial map using renewable energy is more than just offering handouts, but an important pillar of real growth that creates future growth sectors and jobs for regions," Secretary Kim added.

"The RE100 industrial complex will become the first step, and we expect it to ultimately expand into a new energy city and develop into a cornerstone for stimulating regional economies."

The secretary said a inter-ministry task force was formed led by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Ministry of Economy and Finance, and Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. He added that the promotion of a special law to launch RE100 complexes was designated a top policy priority.

xuaiy@korea.kr