○ The Incheon Port Authority (www.icpa.or.kr, President Lee Kyung-Gyu) announced on November 5 that it received a Ministerial Commendation from the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment (MCEE) at the 7th Korea Solar League (K-Solar League) awards, where it was recognized as an exemplary public entity for expanding renewable energy utilization.

○ The K-Solar League, now in its 7th year, is a nationwide competition jointly hosted by the Korea Energy Agency, the Local Government Association for Climate & Energy Transition, and the Local Sustainability Alliance of Korea, recognizing and rewarding exemplary local governments, public institutions, and private companies and organizations for their contributions to expanding renewable energy and achieving carbon neutrality.

○ The competition, divided into three categories–lower-level local governments (Local Government Sector), public institutions (Public Sector), and private companies and organizations (Private Sector)–recognized the Incheon Port Authority as first place in the Public Sector through document screening and presentation evaluations, awarding it the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment Award, the highest honor in the Public Sector.

○ Since 2013, the IPA has steadily expanded solar power generation by utilizing surplus port property, building rooftops, and water surfaces, operating a total of 58 solar power facilities, including its own facilities and privately invested projects, with a cumulative capacity of 34 MW. In addition, the IPA has been recognized as a model for its community-oriented renewable energy initiatives, such as supporting solar panel installations for disadvantaged groups and promoting energy-sharing programs.

○ In particular, the IPA’s small-scale power system (microgrid), which integrates solar power systems, Energy Storage Systems (ESS), and Alternative Maritime Power (AMP) systems, has significantly reduced emissions by enabling berthed vessels to use solar-generated electricity instead of fossil fuels. Furthermore, the IPA’s new 10 MW floating solar project, built on dredged sediment disposal sites, has attracted considerable attention as an innovative, port-led renewable energy initiative.

○ President Lee Kyung-Gyu stated, “This award reflects Incheon Port’s proactive efforts to advance renewable energy in alignment with the national energy transition policy.” He added, “We will continue to make full use of idle port spaces to produce clean energy, demonstrating our commitment to building a future-ready, environmentally friendly port that serves the public interest.”