The New Ministry Faces Challenges in Physical Relocation
More than ten days have passed since the newly established Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment officially launched on the 1st of last month. This followed a government reorganization plan that transferred energy-related functions from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. However, it was confirmed on the 13th that less than 10% of the 218 personnel from the former ministry have physically relocated to the new one.
The primary reason for this delay is a lack of space within the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment’s offices. As a result, predictions suggest that a temporary arrangement—where personnel from both ministries operate under “one roof” in the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy’s building—will be unavoidable for the time being.
Limited Movement of Departments and Personnel
According to Rep. Kim Sung-won of the People Power Party’s office, which is part of the Trade, Industry, Energy, SMEs, and Startups Committee, only two of the 16 departments transferred from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy to the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment have physically moved to the latter’s offices. Additionally, only around 20 of the 218 personnel have relocated.
The 16 departments transferred include:
- Energy Policy Division
- Energy Efficiency Division
- Energy Technology Division
- Power Industry Policy Division
- Power Market Division
- New Industry and Distributed Energy Division
- Power Grid Innovation Division
- Renewable Energy Policy Division
- Renewable Energy Industry Division
- Renewable Energy Promotion Division
- Hydrogen Economy Policy Division
- Hydrogen Industry Division
- Energy Safety Division
- Nuclear Power Industry Policy Division
- Nuclear Power and Environment Division
- Nuclear Power Regional Cooperation Division
Among these, only the Energy Policy Division and Energy Technology Division have moved to the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment’s offices so far.
Space Constraints and Future Relocation Plans
The reason for the delay is a shortage of physical space within the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment. A source from the ministry stated, “Due to insufficient available space within the Government Complex Sejong, we plan to relocate after the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries moves to Busan in December of this year, following consultations with the Government Complex Management Headquarters.” However, even after the relocation in December, it is estimated that civil servants will not be able to settle into their new offices until at least February of next year, considering the time required for restoration work.
Criticism Over Organizational Restructuring
Meanwhile, the establishment of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment has resulted in the transfer of 218 personnel from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, including 179 active civil servants and 38 on leave or dispatched. Rep. Kim Sung-won criticized, “It is absurd that civil servants remain in their original ministries even though the organizational restructuring has been completed, as office space has not even been secured yet,” adding, “This confusion is a result of the government and ruling party rushing the organizational restructuring.”
Key Takeaways
- Only two of the 16 transferred departments have moved to the new ministry.
- Less than 10% of the 218 personnel have relocated.
- The main issue is a lack of physical space in the new ministry’s offices.
- A temporary arrangement is expected to continue until at least February of next year.
- Critics argue that the restructuring process has been rushed, leading to operational inefficiencies.
The situation highlights the challenges faced by the government in implementing large-scale organizational changes. While the creation of the new ministry aims to streamline climate, energy, and environmental policies, the current delays underscore the importance of thorough planning and adequate infrastructure to support such transitions.