New and Renewable Energy Safety Management Laws and Technical Standards in the Republic of Korea and ASEAN

This study examines electrical safety management laws and technical standards pertinent to New and Renewable Energy in the Republic of Korea and ASEAN. It outlines Korea’s comprehensive safety system structure and legislative evolution, details specifi c RE safety challenges and inspection protocols, analyses the diverse ASEAN landscape, with its associated gaps, and proposes ways forward, including potential ACE-KESCO cooperation.

Korea’s electrical safety system involves multiple entities coordinated to protect the public. Key players include the Electricity Utility (KEPCO, power companies) for supply; the Korea Electric Engineers Association for managing safety personnel; the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) for policy and legislation; the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards for product safety; and KESCO for direct safety control through inspection, investigation, R&D, and promotion. Electrical facilities are classifi ed into Business Use (large-scale/power plants), Private Use (factories/apartments), and General Use (homes/offi ces), with further sub-categories based on voltage and capacity (e.g., >75 kW, < 75kW) to apply tailored safety standards. Safety control relies on mandatory pre-operation assessments and periodic evaluations, distinguishing between rigorous “Inspections” for large-capacity facilities (every 1-4 years) and “Check-ups” for smaller ones (every 1-3 years), driven by the facility’s assessed safety degree. KESCO, established under safety legislation and evolved through key institutional expansions (research/education institutes, specialised centres), plays a central role in implementing these controls, conducting research, promoting a safety culture, and providing public services.

Compared to Korea’s unified approach, ASEAN exhibits gaps in independent safety governance, consistent agency responsibilities (especially disaster management and R&D), standards harmonisation, comprehensive RE safety guidelines, and uniform enforcement rigour. Legacy systems and inadequate grid modernisation further impede safe VRE integration. Lessons from Korea suggest value in dedicated safety legislation, systematic master planning, unified codes, structured lifecycle inspections, and data-driven oversight. Case studies of Indonesia and Cambodia highlight practical enforcement challenges in standards application, inspection protocols, personnel competency verification, and coordination. Recommendations focus on strengthening national frameworks and enhancing regional collaboration through initiatives like the proposed ACE-KESCO cooperation programme.