New report calls for at least 61% emissions cut by 2035 and 100GW of renewables by 2030
November 7, 2025 (SEOUL) – Ahead of COP30 in Belém, Brazil—a pivotal moment when countries are expected to submit their 2035 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), South Korea announced its 2035 NDC options. The proposal, released at a recent public hearing, outlines emission reduction ranges of either 50-60% or 53-60% from 2018 levels. These targets fall well short of the ambition recommended by a new report by Solutions for Our Climate (SFOC) and We Mean Business Coalition (WMBC), which urges the Korean government to submit a stronger 2035 NDC as a strategic driver of industrial competitiveness, investment, and clean-tech leadership.
The report, “How South Korea’s 2035 NDC Can Drive Private Sector Action and Investment,” builds on WMBC’s global Business Call to Action for Ambitious and Investible NDCs, which calls on governments to set ambitious targets, develop clear policy frameworks, and engage businesses in NDC implementation.
The authors of the report call for an ambitious emissions reduction target of at least 61% by 2035 (relative to 2018 levels). Such a target would align South Korea with its 2050 net-zero goal and send a clear signal to businesses and investors that Korea is committed to clean innovation and regional leadership in the low-carbon economy.
“The government presents its 2035 NDC as a 50–60% or 53–60% reduction range, but in reality, it is preparing for the lower end—50% or 53%. This falls far short of what is needed. A more ambitious NDC would send a powerful policy signal to drive investment and strengthen Korea’s low-carbon industrial competitiveness. By settling for the lower bound, the government is missing a critical opportunity and placing a limit on Korea’s economic future,” said Gahee Han, Head of Power Market & Grid at SFOC.
The report also highlights the importance of having coherent and predictable policies in the power, industry and transport sectors. In the power sector, it calls for expanding renewable electricity capacity to 100 GW by 2030, phasing out coal by 2035, and committing to no coal-to-gas conversions. Strengthening the Korea Emissions Trading System, promoting breakthrough technologies in heavy industry, electrifying transport, and expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure are also critical to unlocking private investment and building a competitive, low-carbon economy.
“Despite geopolitical turbulence, the global transition to clean energy is accelerating. The expansion of global markets for clean technologies and products is a huge economic opportunity for countries like South Korea. By establishing clear and predictable policies for implementing its 2035 NDC, South Korea can strengthen its competitiveness, increase its energy security, and boost economic growth,” said Maria Mendiluce, CEO of We Mean Business Coalition.
The report also highlights the 2024 Constitutional Court ruling affirming citizens’ right to protection from the climate crisis, reinforcing that a science-aligned NDC is not only an economic imperative but a legal responsibility. Earlier this month, a joint letter from South Korean climate tech and distributed energy companies called on the government to set a minimum 61% target, commit to 100 GW of renewables by 2030, and reform the power market to unlock private investment.
With COP30 set to spotlight the global push to align NDCs with the 1.5°C goal, SFOC and WMBC stress that South Korea’s 2035 NDC is a chance to position the nation as a leader in the next wave of clean industrial transformation.
ENDS.
Solutions for Our Climate (SFOC) is an independent nonprofit organization that works to accelerate global greenhouse gas emissions reduction and energy transition. SFOC leverages research, litigation, community organizing, and strategic communications to deliver practical climate solutions and build movements for change.
We Mean Business Coalition (WMBC) works with the world’s most influential businesses to take action on climate change. The Coalition is a group of seven nonprofit organisations: BSR, CDP, Ceres, Climate Group, CLG Europe, The B Team and WBCSD. Together, we catalyse business and policy action to halve emissions by 2030 and accelerate an inclusive transition to a net-zero economy.
For media inquiries, please reach out to Yi Hyun Kim, Communications Officer, yihyun.kim@forourclimate.org.
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