Hanam City's 'Dongseoul Substation Indoor Conversion Project' Denied... KEPCO "Reviewing All Procedures Including Objections and Administrative Litigation"

As Hanam City decided to deny the permit for the indoor conversion and expansion project of the Dongseoul Substation, Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) has decided to review all possible procedures, including filing objections and administrative lawsuits.

On the 23rd, KEPCO stated, "Following Hanam City's notification of permit denial on the 21st regarding the Dongseoul Substation project, we express deep concern over the potential significant disruption to power supply in the metropolitan area."

KEPCO has been promoting the relocation of existing power facilities of the Dongseoul Substation, which were exposed outdoors, into a newly constructed building (hereinafter referred to as indoor conversion), improving noise and surrounding environment, and expanding facilities by introducing direct current (DC) transmission on idle land.

The project obtained changes to the management plan for the Green Belt (GB) from Gyeonggi Province and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport earlier this year to commence the project and applied for permits from Hanam City. However, the permit was denied due to concerns about electromagnetic waves and lack of resident acceptance.

Regarding Hanam City's claim that the site is unsuitable due to electromagnetic wave hazards, KEPCO rebutted that safety has already been verified through joint electromagnetic wave measurements on similar facilities, and that indoor conversion of the substation and removal of some nearby steel towers would greatly improve the substation's appearance.

Regarding the claim of lack of resident acceptance due to an opaque site selection process, KEPCO explained that the project is being carried out within the Dongseoul Substation, which KEPCO has operated since 1979, and that KEPCO has complied with laws and procedures in conducting related work. Furthermore, although not mandatory, KEPCO has made significant efforts to enhance resident acceptance through numerous project briefings to help local residents understand the project.

A KEPCO official emphasized, "The Dongseoul Substation is a crucial facility necessary to transport large-scale power generation from the East Coast region to the metropolitan area through indoor conversion and expansion of HVDC conversion facilities, which are free from electromagnetic wave issues. Upon completion, it is expected to ensure stable power supply in the metropolitan area including Hanam City, enhance the reliability of the national power supply, and minimize factors leading to electricity rate increases, thereby reducing the burden on the public."

KEPCO expressed deep regret over Hanam City's refusal of the building permit application, which meets legal requirements, on grounds not stipulated by law, and plans to review all possible procedures including filing objections and administrative lawsuits.

Additionally, KEPCO will further activate project briefings for residents near the substation, which have been continuously held since 2023, and will do its best to ensure timely progress of related projects by enhancing local residents' understanding of power facilities through various resident participation activities such as tours of substations and conversion facilities in urban areas similar to this project, and joint electromagnetic wave measurements between KEPCO and residents.