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!