Uljin-gun holds a briefing session on the start of investigation and design service for the Uljin Nuclear Hydrogen National Industrial Complex

by times news cr

Uljin-gun held a⁢ briefing session on the ⁢start of the investigation and design ​service ‍for the Uljin Nuclear Hydrogen National Industrial Complex. On the⁤ 6th,⁢ Uljin-gun (Governor Son Byeong-bok) held the ‘Uljin Nuclear Hydrogen National ‌Industrial Complex Development Project Investigation and Design Service Launch Report’ hosted by Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) in‍ Daegu.

This launch⁢ briefing session will specify the ⁢business plan for the ‘Uljin Nuclear‌ Hydrogen National Industrial Complex’, which is being promoted as a national policy project in accordance with the government’s ‘National‌ High-Tech Industrial Belt Creation Plan’, and will enable Uljin-gun to function as an industrial ⁢cluster hub for the East Coast Hydrogen Economic ⁣Belt. It was an opportunity to⁢ report ‍on the beginning of the plan to be ‌implemented.

The ‍Uljin Nuclear Hydrogen National Industrial Complex will invest KRW ‍387.1 billion ‌on a 1.52 million ㎡ ⁤(460,000 pyeong) ⁢site in Hujeong-ri, Jukbyeon-myeon, Uljin-gun‌ to build a hydrogen mass production base linked⁢ to nuclear power plants ⁢to strengthen domestic industrial⁣ competitiveness, establish national energy ⁤security, ⁤and revitalize the local economy. It is expected​ to contribute significantly.

Through⁢ this service, Uljin-gun, in ⁢cooperation with LH,‌ plans to complete the establishment⁤ of an ‌industrial‌ complex plan by⁤ the⁢ first half of 2025 and ‍apply for⁤ formal industrial complex approval, and plans to further ⁢speed⁣ up the project promotion so that construction can begin early.

Uljin County Mayor Son Byeong-bok⁤ said, “In order to ⁣create a successful industrial complex, we will ‌establish a reasonable basic plan by ⁢reflecting⁤ the needs of tenant companies and residents’ opinions, and we will⁤ do our best to promptly proceed ‍with approval of the industrial complex development plan by actively responding to consultations ⁣with related organizations.” .

Meanwhile, Uljin-gun has⁣ recently been selected as the ​preferred bidder for a new nuclear power⁣ plant ‌in⁣ the⁣ Czech Republic with the comprehensive completion of Shinhanul Units 1 ⁢and ‍2​ and the start of construction of Units ⁣3 and 4, laying a stepping stone toward the complete normalization‍ of the nuclear power plant ecosystem.

On the 30th, an‍ event was held at Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power’s Hanul Nuclear Power Plant Headquarters ‍in Uljin-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do,⁢ inviting local residents, nuclear power industry officials, college students from nuclear-related⁣ departments, and students from Atomic Energy Meister High School to mark the completion of Shin Hanul⁤ Units 1 and 2 ‍and ⁣the start of construction ⁣for‍ Units 3 and 4. did.

At the event, President Yoon Seok-yeol, the Minister of ​Trade, Industry⁤ and‌ Energy, the President of Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, and many other major domestic figures attended the event to celebrate ⁣the ‍achievements made so⁣ far. In ​December⁢ 2021, when he was a presidential candidate, the President visited the construction site ⁤of Shin-Hanul Units 3 and 4 and promised, “We will restore the ecosystem of our nuclear power industry, which is at the highest level in the world, by immediately resuming the construction of Shin-Hanul Units 3 ⁤and 4.” . It was ⁤the first time in‍ about three years that I ​visited ⁤the site where the promise made during ⁤the presidential ⁣election was‌ kept.

After the election of the​ President, Shin Hanul Units‍ 3 and 4 were ‍finally ​able to begin construction by quickly processing permits and ⁢permits that took an ‍average‍ of 30 months in 11 ⁤months​ through thorough preparations ​by relevant⁣ ministries and local ⁣governments.

President Yoon said, “We will​ supply sufficient work to the nuclear power industry through the construction of ‌nuclear power plants such ‌as Shin-Hanul Units 3 and 4, continued operation of existing nuclear ⁣power plants, winning⁢ orders for overseas nuclear power plants, and promoting domestic SMR construction,” and “The​ future of the nuclear power industry will⁢ depend on politics.” “We will prepare a ‘2050 mid- to long-term roadmap’ and do⁢ our‍ best to enact the ​‘Special⁢ Act on Support for the ⁣Nuclear Power ⁣Plant Industry’ ⁢to ‌prevent it from ‍collapsing due to this,” he added.

In the future, the construction of Shin Hanul Units⁢ 3‌ and ‌4 will be a large-scale investment project requiring more than 7.2 million⁤ people (based on APR 1,400) per year, so it will greatly‍ contribute to revitalizing the local economy through wages paid to construction personnel and‍ direct and ‍indirect participation in construction by local companies. ⁢Contribution is expected.

The subsidy provided ⁤to the region by constructing a nuclear power plant is largely ​divided into short-term ⁣and long-term. There is a special ‍subsidy‍ for short-term support, which is⁤ set at an amount equivalent to 1.5% of the amount excluding the site ⁤purchase cost from the construction ⁣cost and 0.5% for more than 9 nuclear power ⁤plants. With the % additional support, the construction cost for Shin​ Hanul Units 3 and 4 is estimated at approximately KRW 11.5 trillion, or approximately⁤ KRW ‍230 billion.

Long-term support includes a business‍ support ​fee, basic support fee, and local ​resource facility tax, ⁣and the business ​support ⁣fee and basic ​support⁢ fee are ​set ‌at 0.25 won per 1kwh ⁣of ​generation in ‌each previous year. Support will⁣ be provided for 60 years of ‍operation, including ‌the construction ⁤period, and approximately KRW 600 billion (KRW 300 ​billion for⁣ operators + ⁤KRW 300 billion for‌ basic support) will be provided​ for the construction and‌ operation of Shin Hanul Units 3 and 4 based on an 80% utilization rate.

Local resource facility tax is a tax‍ paid‌ during ⁣the operation period of ‍a nuclear power plant (60 years) ⁢and is calculated at 1 ‍won per 1kwh of ⁣power generation. It is ⁤expected that approximately 1.17 trillion‌ won will be paid over ⁢60 ⁢years when Shin Hanul Units 3 and 4 are operated.

Uljin County Mayor Son Byeong-bok said, “The⁤ construction of ⁤Shinhanul Units‍ 3 and 4 will ​not only have‍ economic benefits, but will⁣ also greatly contribute ⁢to environmental protection and energy independence, and we will achieve sustainable development through‌ this project and ⁤brighten the future of Uljin County.” “It will,” he said. ​In addition, he said, “We ⁤ask for the cooperation ⁣and support of ⁤all stakeholders so that ​this project​ can proceed‌ successfully. Uljin-gun will be reborn as a more developed and prosperous region through the construction of⁤ Shinhanul Units 3 and 4.”

Economy Queen Reporter Hana Choi Photo: Uljin-gun

Interview Between Time.news Editor and Nuclear Energy Expert

Time.news Editor (TNE): Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Lee. ‍There’s been significant news regarding the ⁣Uljin ⁤Nuclear Hydrogen National Industrial Complex. What can you tell us⁢ about the importance of ⁤this initiative for South⁣ Korea’s energy strategy?

Dr. Lee (LE): Thank you for having me. The Uljin Nuclear Hydrogen National Industrial Complex is pivotal for South Korea‘s energy future. This project aligns ‍with the government’s ‘National ⁤High-Tech Industrial Belt Creation Plan’‌ and aims to establish Uljin as a central hub for hydrogen production, utilizing nuclear power. A hydrogen economy is essential ⁢for the transition to cleaner energy ⁣sources, and this ⁣complex will enhance energy security and boost domestic industry.

TNE: ‌The investment for the complex is substantial at KRW‌ 387.1 billion, covering a large area. How ⁤will this contribute⁣ to both local ​and national economies?

LE: The economic benefits are twofold. Firstly, by linking hydrogen production to nuclear power plants, the⁢ complex strengthens the region’s industrial competitiveness, that could ⁤lead to job creation and increased economic‍ activity. It’s projected to provide substantial employment opportunities during the construction phase as well, estimated at more​ than⁢ 7.2 million work shifts annually. This influx of ⁣labor will not only benefit the construction workers but will also positively​ impact local businesses and service sectors.

TNE: Local feedback seems crucial, ‍as Uljin County Mayor Son Byeong-bok emphasized inclusivity in planning. How do you see community involvement affecting the project’s success?

LE: Community involvement is​ vital. Engaging residents and prospective tenant companies in the planning process ensures that the ⁤industrial complex meets local needs and addresses ‌any concerns. This collaborative approach not only fosters a sense of ownership among the community but also helps in crafting a more resilient business model that supports sustainable development. When people see their voices valued, it can lead to a much smoother implementation​ and increased public support.

TNE: ⁤The recent ⁤event marking the completion of Shin Hanul Units 1 and 2 and the start⁤ of construction for Units 3 and 4 indicates ​a strong push for nuclear power. How does this fit ​into the broader context of nuclear energy policy in South Korea?

LE: This momentum​ is a significant shift for⁢ South Korea, which has faced‍ challenges in its nuclear energy sector in recent years. With President Yoon’s administration reaffirming its commitment to nuclear energy, including plans to restore and expand the nuclear power ecosystem, we are witnessing ‌a critical turnaround. The establishment ⁣of Shin ⁣Hanul Units 3 and ⁣4,⁤ alongside the Uljin ⁤complex, showcases the‍ potential for nuclear energy to coexist with⁤ green technologies like hydrogen production, which is central to achieving long-term sustainable energy goals.

TNE: The government plans to create a ‘2050 mid- to long-term roadmap’⁢ for ‌nuclear power. What should be prioritized⁣ in this ‍roadmap to ensure a balanced‌ energy portfolio?

LE: Key priorities should include enhancing safety protocols, investing in advanced reactor technologies like small modular​ reactors (SMRs), and developing​ waste management solutions that are both environmentally⁢ sound and socially acceptable. Additionally, fostering international partnerships for technology exchange ⁣and export opportunities can help South Korea regain its position as a leader⁢ in nuclear technology. Lastly, public education on the benefits and safety of nuclear energy will be essential in building trust and support for future developments.

TNE: Thank you for your insights,⁢ Dr. Lee. The developments in Uljin and the broader⁢ nuclear energy policy indeed reveal a dynamic shift in South ⁢Korea’s approach. We look forward to seeing how these plans unfold.

LE: Thank you for having me. Exciting times are ahead, and I appreciate the opportunity to discuss these important developments!

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