South Korea's Path to Carbon Neutrality: Energy Transition and Industrial Challenges

South Korea is accelerating its energy transition to reduce dependence on Middle Eastern oil and gas, aiming for 100 gigawatts of solar and wind capacity by 2030. This shift is driven by both climate goals and the need for energy security following global supply chain disruptions. Beyond power generation, the transition faces hurdles in industrial heat and the production of carbon-based materials like plastics and fertilizers. Achieving true net zero will require a circular economy that recovers carbon from waste and the atmosphere rather than relying solely on fossil fuels.