The South Korean government is set to begin constructing a power grid to supply electricity to a new semiconductor industrial complex in the Honam region by 2030.
On July 8, the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment announced that Second Vice Minister Lee Ho-hyun chaired a meeting with Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) to discuss early power supply plans for the new semiconductor complex located at the Gwangju military airport site.
This meeting follows the confirmation of the semiconductor complex's location. The ministry and KEPCO reviewed plans to establish new supply lines connecting the KEPCO public power grid to the complex to ensure early power supply by 2030. They also discussed the need for cooperation from local governments and relevant ministries.
KEPCO has formed a task force led by Kim Jae-gun, head of the power system division, to ensure timely construction of the power grid necessary for the government's three major mega projects.
The task force aims to innovate construction and procurement methods during the power grid development process, allowing for the establishment of a power supply system ahead of the needs of businesses.
The government believes that the Honam region, rich in renewable energy and nuclear power facilities, can provide stable electricity supply even with high demand. Therefore, it anticipates that a separate new inter-regional power line for the semiconductor complex will not be necessary.
However, to ensure a stable 24-hour power supply to semiconductor factories despite fluctuations in renewable energy generation, the government plans to review the current status of existing inter-regional power lines and future expansion plans.
South Korea's power system is interconnected nationwide, allowing for the exchange of electricity between regions when generation is insufficient or excessive. The government is developing a national power supply basic plan and transmission and transformation facility plans based on this framework.
Plans to enhance power supply stability through energy storage systems (ESS) and pumped storage power generation will also be included in the 12th basic power supply plan.
Vice Minister Lee emphasized, "The core competitiveness of advanced semiconductor factories lies in securing stable and rapid infrastructure. We will proactively build power infrastructure to ensure that the semiconductor complex can become a key hub driving advanced industries and regional growth based on the Honam region's abundant carbon-free power infrastructure."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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