"Energy-Intensive Industries Should Be Decentralized
to Production Regions, Not Concentrated in the Seoul Metropolitan Area"
Kim Taeheum, Governor of Chungnam Province, expressed strong opposition to the construction of the 'Saemangeum~Shinseosan Transmission Line' on September 22.
During a press conference with journalists held in Seocheon County that day, Governor Kim stated, "I am against it. I am absolutely opposed," regarding the construction of the Saemangeum-Shinseosan transmission line. He emphasized the need to fundamentally change the current power demand structure, which is heavily concentrated in the Seoul metropolitan area.
He went on to point out, "During the Moon Jaein administration, a massive number of solar panels were installed in the Honam region, but due to the limitations of the transmission lines, only about half of the generated power is actually supplied." He criticized the current plan, saying, "Once again, connecting the transmission line to the Seoul metropolitan area to concentrate power there is wrong."
He further stressed, "To achieve balanced national development, energy-intensive industries such as data centers should be located in regions that produce a lot of electricity, and industries themselves should be relocated to the provinces." He added, "Currently, more than half of the electricity produced in Chungnam is sent to the Seoul metropolitan area, but at least 20 to 30 percent should be consumed locally through industrial decentralization."
He also stated, "Under the Yoon Sukyeol administration, offshore transmission plans are being promoted under the name of the 'Energy Expressway,' and even in Chungnam, eight regions are affected." He insisted, "We need to find alternative solutions."
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