The government is launching a public-private working group to establish a power supply network for the Honam semiconductor industrial complex, aiming for operational readiness by 2030. The initiative seeks to expedite the permitting process in collaboration with local governments and regional environmental agencies to shorten the construction timeline for the first phase of power supply lines.
On July 29, the Ministry of Environment and Energy will hold an inaugural meeting of the "Honam Semiconductor Industrial Complex Power Supply Working Group" in the Han River Flood Control Center in Seocho-gu, Seoul. Participants will include local governments, Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), Samsung Electronics, and SK Hynix.
The working group was formed to refine the preliminary plan for the first phase of power supply, which was established on July 16 by the Ministry of Environment, the Gwangju Metropolitan City, and KEPCO. It includes representatives from Gwangju, Gwangsan District, and Jangseong County, as well as the companies expected to occupy the industrial complex, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix.
The government has previously outlined a plan to connect new supply lines from the 345 kV Shinjangseong and Shinkwangju transmission lines to the site of the industrial complex. The goal is to utilize areas around the Hwangryong River and local Route 49, exploring underground construction methods to complete the first phase of power supply by the end of 2029.
During the upcoming meeting, participants will discuss specific power supply methods and the roles of each agency. There will be a particular focus on reviewing the permitting processes and cooperation required from local governments and regional environmental agencies to expedite the construction timeline.
Both Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, as power users, will also be involved in the working group. This collaboration is expected to help align the capacity and construction schedule of the supply lines with the actual operational timelines and power demands of the factories.
The government plans to continue discussions on inter-agency cooperation and expedited permitting processes through the working group.
Lee Won-joo, head of the Energy Transition Policy Office at the Ministry of Environment, stated, "This working group is an important opportunity to eliminate invisible barriers between agencies and establish a foundation for practical cooperation. The government will mobilize the capabilities of public institutions and private companies to ensure timely power supply to the semiconductor complex."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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