Suwon Mayor Yim Tae-young: "Energy Autonomy and Decentralization Must Be Realized"

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Seo Dong-young] Suwon Mayor Yim Tae-young emphasized energy autonomy and decentralization, under which local governments take the lead in establishing and implementing customized energy policies suited to regional characteristics.

At a keynote address at the National Assembly Exhibition and Forum on Energy Transition held at the National Assembly Members' Hall in Seoul on the 16th, Mayor Yim stated, "Local governments must take the initiative to transition from 'nuclear power-centered energy policy' to 'regionally self-reliant renewable energy policy.'"

The event, jointly hosted by the 'Local Government Council for Energy Policy Transition (Chair: Mayor Yim Tae-young)', 'Democratic Party's Special Committee on Climate Change Response and Renewable Energy Industry Promotion', and the 'Energy Transition Forum,' discussed directions for regional energy decentralization and improvements to relevant laws and systems.

The forum proceeded with topic presentations including 'Challenges and Directions for Regional Energy Decentralization (Jeonju Mayor Kim Seung-soo)' and 'Policy and Institutional Improvement Tasks for Regional Energy Decentralization (Dangjin Mayor Kim Hong-jang)', followed by discussions with government officials, private sector representatives, and citizens.

At the exhibition held under the theme 'The Future of Solar Energy, The Future of Regions,' next-generation renewable energy products for everyday life were showcased, including 'colored solar panels' and 'fine dust-capturing solar panels.'

Mayor Yim was elected chair at the launch ceremony of the second term of the 'Local Government Council for Energy Policy Transition' in January. Founded in December 2016, the local government council aims to shift energy policy establishment and implementation from the national to the local level through inter-regional exchanges and cooperation among local governments.