Conceptual Design of Enertopia in Korea

Abstract

Conventional literature argues that the competitiveness of new energy technologies is dependent on existing market conditions. Moreover, contemporary analyses have suggested that enhanced, energy-related research and development activities alone are insufficient to ensure a sustainable future. Korea's energy policies, meanwhile, have given top priority to research and development of new energy technologies. Given the aforementioned approaches, the Korean government has adopted “diffusion-oriented” policies that encourage technology transfer, international alliances, and the dissemination of information to supplement research and development. In addition, it has adopted the policy that market barriers can be overcome in part by direct government involvement in the energy marketplace, under the premise of promoting the public good. The present paper analyzes Korea's national energy strategy, describes the potential contributions of new energy technologies, and provides an overview of Enertopia, a major demonstration project being sponsored by the central government to test the viability of the sustainable development concept.