In his new book, K-Solar & Space Solar 2035 Dual Growth Project, energy strategist Park Sang-Nam argues that solar power should be approached not only as a tool for decarbonization but as a pillar of industrial policy, energy security, and long-term technological competitiveness.
Park Sang-Nam, CEO of Global Consulting Corp., has published a new book setting out a strategic framework for the future of solar energy. Titled K-Solar & Space Solar 2035 Dual Growth Project, the study examines how the global solar industry is being reshaped by advances in technology, changes in market structure, and shifts in policy direction.
Park argues that solar power has moved beyond the narrow category of renewable energy. In his view, it now sits at the intersection of advanced manufacturing, national infrastructure, and industrial competitiveness, making it a strategic sector rather than simply an environmental one.
A central theme of the book is what Park calls a “Dual Growth Strategy” — the simultaneous expansion of terrestrial solar power and long-term investment in space-based solar power research. The idea is to pair technologies that can be deployed now with those that could redefine the energy system over the longer term.
The book also reviews the financial and institutional mechanisms that underpin solar investment, including system marginal price (SMP), renewable energy certificates (REC), and long-term power purchase agreements (PPA). Park argues that renewable energy policy will be more effective when it is aligned with industrial strategy, supply-chain development, and innovation policy.
The following is a Q&A with Park Sang-Nam, CEO of Global Consulting Corp.
Q1. What led you to write K-Solar & Space Solar 2035?
I wanted to examine how solar power can develop from a renewable energy technology into a strategic national industry. The book looks at the technological, economic, and policy dimensions of solar energy and proposes a long-term framework for Korea’s energy strategy.
Q2. Why do you see solar power as strategically important now?
Solar power is no longer just an environmental solution. It is increasingly connected to semiconductor technology, advanced manufacturing, and national infrastructure. Countries that lead in solar technology are likely to gain an advantage in both energy security and industrial competitiveness.
Q3. How would you assess Korea’s current position in the solar sector?
Korea has strong technological capabilities, especially in semiconductor manufacturing and advanced materials. But competition has become more intense globally, and Korea needs a stronger industrial ecosystem and better long-term policy coordination if it wants to maintain its position.
Q4. What role do SMP, REC, and PPA play in solar economics?
These are the core financial mechanisms behind solar projects in Korea. SMP reflects electricity market prices, REC provides renewable energy incentives, and PPAs offer longer-term revenue stability. Together, they shape whether solar investment is economically viable.
Q5. Why is energy storage so important to solar development?
Solar generation changes with weather conditions and daylight hours. Energy storage makes it possible to save electricity and use it when demand is higher, which improves both grid stability and the profitability of projects.
Q6. Which technologies are likely to shape the future of solar cells?
We are seeing rapid progress in efficiency through technologies such as TOPCon, HJT, and emerging perovskite tandem cells. These advances could significantly reduce the cost of solar electricity over time.
Q7. How realistic is space-based solar power at this stage?
It remains a long-term technology, but research is moving forward in several countries. If it succeeds, it could enable continuous power generation that is not constrained by terrestrial weather or daylight conditions.
Q8. What do you mean by the “Dual Growth Strategy”?
It refers to the parallel development of terrestrial solar infrastructure and research into space-based solar power systems. The idea is to combine immediate deployment with long-term technological preparation.
Q9. What policy direction should Korea pursue in solar?
Korea should strengthen technological innovation, improve supply-chain resilience, and provide long-term policy stability. Renewable energy development should be linked more closely to industrial strategy and technological leadership.
Q10. How do you expect the global energy system to evolve by 2035?
The energy system of the future will likely combine renewable energy, energy storage, advanced grid systems, and newer technologies such as space-based solar power. Countries that integrate these areas strategically will be better placed to shape the next phase of the global energy economy.
