KEPCO launches RE100 village project on Gapado Island by 2027
KEPCO officially launched its RE100 Village Creation Demonstration Project on Jeju's Gapado Island on September 28, 2026. This initiative aims to supply 100% of the island's electricity from renewable sources like solar, wind, and ESS by 2027, reducing fossil fuel dependence.
Our take
How will KEPCO's Gapado RE100 project serve as a model for Korea's distributed energy future?
KEPCO's Gapado RE100 initiative demonstrates a strategic shift towards localized, self-sufficient renewable energy systems, leveraging domestic technology to mitigate geopolitical energy security risks and establish a scalable distributed energy model.
This project aims to prove the viability of an independent energy supply system that maximizes locally produced green electricity, using ESS to manage the variability of solar and wind power. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels for island communities, KEPCO seeks to enhance energy security and create a blueprint for broader application in other vulnerable regions. The engagement with local residents also addresses social acceptance, a critical factor for distributed energy deployment.
What the source says
- The project's business plan received approval from the Republic of Korea Government in May 2026.
- Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) KEPCO is establishing a regular communication channel with Jeju Province and Gapado Residents' Representatives to address potential complaints and ensure community acceptance.
- Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) The RE100 project will serve as a precedent model for Jeju Province's 2035 carbon neutrality goal.
- Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) A KEPCO official stated that the importance of energy security has increased recently due to geopolitical risks.
- Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) The project aims to utilize domestic eco-friendly energy technologies, including solar PV, wind power, and Energy Storage System - ESS.
For investors — Foreign investors should monitor the Gapado project's outcomes as a blueprint for future distributed energy investments in Korean island and remote regions, particularly regarding local technology integration and community engagement strategies. Success here could de-risk similar ventures and open new market segments for DER deployment.
Watch: KEPCO's progress reports on the Gapado RE100 Village Creation Demonstration Project, including facility completion and operational milestones.
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