Jeju Debuts Carbon-Free Citrus Grown Using 100% Renewable Energy (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
JEJU, South Korea, Jan. 27 (Korea Bizwire) — Citrus fruit grown entirely with renewable energy has entered the market for the first time in South Korea, as Jeju Island moves to extend its clean-energy transition into agriculture.
The provincial government on Monday officially launched what it calls “RE100 citrus,” produced using only self-generated renewable power throughout the cultivation process.
The declaration was made at the Jeju Agricultural Research and Extension Services, marking the country’s first full-scale application of the RE100 model to fruit farming.
Unlike conventional greenhouse farming, the RE100 citrus operation relies exclusively on on-site renewable energy — including solar power, air-source heat pumps and energy storage systems — to meet all heating and electricity needs. No power from fossil fuel–based external grids is used.
The project stems from a pilot program that began in January 2025 at a greenhouse facility in Seogwipo, where the province installed panel-type and film-type solar systems, along with energy storage units repurposed from used batteries.
The operation has since completed technical verification and certification confirming 100 percent renewable energy use.
Governor Oh Young-hoon of Jeju inspects an RE100 citrus production site. (Image provided by Jeju Special Self-Governing Province)
Jeju officials said the initiative represents the first nationwide case of fully integrating renewable energy into crop cultivation. The province had previously introduced RE100 models in livestock farming, producing eggs and milk powered entirely by clean energy.
Beginning this month, Jeju plans to expand the model to two commercial citrus farms equipped with solar facilities.
The government also aims to develop disaster-resistant standard greenhouse designs using film-type solar panels this year, followed by the establishment of production manuals and broader field testing through 2027.
Officials said the province intends to promote RE100 certification, labeling and branding to enhance the market competitiveness of eco-friendly Jeju agricultural products.
“RE100 citrus shows that Jeju’s energy transition has taken root in everyday farming,” Governor Oh Young-hoon said at the launch event.
“If farmers can grow fruit with rooftop solar while also selling electricity, renewable energy becomes not just a cost-saving tool but a new source of income. The essence of Jeju-style RE100 agriculture is turning residents from energy consumers into energy producers.”
The initiative aligns with Jeju’s broader goal of becoming a carbon-neutral island and positioning clean energy as a pillar of its rural economy.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
