Representative Won Kim Stresses Need to Exempt Offshore Wind Power SOC Projects from Preliminary Feasibility Studies

At the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Confirmation Hearing, Emphasis on the Importance of the Energy Industry
Strategic Role of the Government Needed... Stress on Converting Existing Industrial Complexes to RE100

Won Kim

Won Kim, a member of the National Assembly from the Democratic Party of Korea (serving as secretary of the Trade, Industry, Energy, SMEs, and Startups Committee, representing Mokpo City), emphasized the strategic role of the government and the importance of proactive support in the era of major industrial and energy transitions during the confirmation hearing for Jungkwan Kim, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy nominee, held at the National Assembly's Trade, Industry, Energy, SMEs, and Startups Committee on July 17.

On that day, Representative Kim stated, "We are currently witnessing a major transformation in advanced strategic industries such as AI, semiconductors, and autonomous driving, alongside an energy transition from carbon-based sources to renewable energy. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy must respond to these structural changes by efficiently linking industry and energy."

Representative Kim further noted, "For the offshore wind power industry to gain momentum, it is essential to first establish core infrastructure (SOC) such as dedicated piers, installation vessels, and hinterland complexes. To enable swift project implementation, preliminary feasibility studies, which are time-consuming, should be exempted."

In addition, regarding the 'RE100 Industrial Complex Development,' a key national project of the Lee Jaemyung administration, he emphasized, "Along with the creation of new industrial complexes, the conversion of existing ones must proceed in parallel. It is crucial for the nation to provide strategic support so that the Yeongam Daebul National Industrial Complex, which is currently centered on shipbuilding, can be transformed into an offshore wind power industry hub."

Furthermore, Representative Kim called for the prompt implementation of a differential electricity pricing system under the Distributed Energy Act, stating, "By applying differentiated electricity rates in regions where renewable energy is produced, we can attract businesses and lay the foundation for balanced regional development."

Meanwhile, after passing the confirmation hearing on the morning of July 18, Jungkwan Kim, the minister nominee, visited Representative Won Kim's office and reportedly responded to the proposal for exempting the offshore wind power SOC project from preliminary feasibility studies by saying, "It is a good suggestion. I will review it thoroughly."