By APEC Secretariat
SINGAPORE – As dawn breaks over Hapcheon Dam reservoir, the sky stretches endlessly in soft blue hues and rolling green mountains rise like sentinels around the water. Their slopes cascade gracefully to meet the lake’s edge. The crisp morning air renews, while the trees stand still, their reflections shimmer gently on the lake.
Amid this tranquil landscape, clusters of solar panels arranged to resemble plum blossoms float elegantly. The solar modules, aligned with geometric precision, glisten under the sunlight; their surfaces akin to petals kissed by dew. More than just a technological marvel, these panels symbolize a vision of balance – a future where innovation enhances nature’s design rather than overpower it.
A self-taught artist with an extraordinary vision
This breathtaking scene was captured by Gilyoung Pyo, a Korean office worker with an exceptional eye for beauty. Reflecting on his journey, Pyo realized how his passion for photography had evolved into a deeper understanding of how technological advancement can coexist with nature.
Winning third prize felt surreal – a milestone that not only showcased his passion to an international audience but also gave him newfound confidence in his abilities. “This marks the start of my journey into international photography contests,” he said, his voice tinged with hope for the future.
Looking back, Pyo said humbly, “I am just an ordinary office worker,” recalling how photography became his creative escape – a way to break free from the monotony of daily routines and connect with the world in meaningful ways. As a self-taught photographer, he cultivated his craft through online tutorials and weekend explorations, seeking scenes that resonated with his love for light and perspective.
When he heard about the floating solar farm at Hapcheon Dam, he was immediately drawn to its story. The long journey from his home in Sejong became a small price to pay for the extraordinary sight that awaited him. “It felt like the floating petals had come to life, as if nature herself had embraced the design,” Pyo recalled, enchanted by how the solar panels’ floral arrangement blended seamlessly with their surroundings.
Capturing this image demanded persistence and resilience. Pyo dedicated multiple weekends to revisiting the reservoir, carefully observing the ever-changing interplay of light, shadows, and reflections. “Photography is about understanding light,” he explained. “Capturing the plum blossom panels required patience, care and time -much like nurturing a flower to see it in full bloom.” The unpredictable weather and long hours of waiting tested his patience, but his determination to capture this photo never wavered.
A garden of innovation and nature
The floating solar farm at Hapcheon Dam also exemplifies the power of thoughtful technological solutions. Using the reservoir’s surface, the project generates renewable energy while conserving valuable land resources. These floating panels do more than generate energy – they reduce water loss by limiting evaporation and also restrict algae blooms.
For Pyo, the solar farm symbolizes a deeper harmony between human ingenuity and the landscape. “The panels integrate with the water’s surface, symbolizing a coexistence that complements the surrounding environment,” he said. “They mirror the mountains, sky, and reservoir, creating a scene as balanced as a flower in full bloom.”
His photograph captures this delicate harmony, reminding us that human ingenuity can coexist with nature to create solutions that are both functional and beautiful.
Pyo hopes his work inspires others to envision a future where solutions do not uproot ecosystems but instead take root within them. “Innovation, when thoughtfully designed, can coexist harmoniously, adapting to natural spaces while enriching ecosystems and communities alike,” he shared.
A call to cultivate sustainability
The Hapcheon Dam solar farm exemplifies actionable solutions to the challenges of climate change. Capable of powering 20,000 homes, the solar farm demonstrates how innovation can address energy demands while protecting the planet.
Through his work, Pyo hopes to encourage discussions around sustainable energy. “Images can make people pause, reflect, and take action,” he said. “They can show what is possible and inspire us to care.”
Looking ahead to APEC 2025, which Korea will host, Pyo believes his work will inspire others to explore sustainability and participate in next year’s APEC Photo Contest. “It is amazing how a photograph can receive recognition on such a large stage,” he said. “I hope it encourages people to reflect on the paths we choose and the solutions we develop.”
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, Pyo’s Floating Solar Plant and Smart Farm offers a vision of balance – a future where technological advancement blooms as gently as petals on a quiet lake.
Through his lens, Pyo asks: “How can we create a future where technology enhances, rather than disrupts, nature’s harmony?” Perhaps the answer lies in creating solutions rooted in nature’s rhythms, where innovation thrives in harmony with the environment.
