Producing the Energy of 8 Tons of Oil from 1g of Hydrogen... Naju Aims to Attract Artificial Sun Facility

Government to Invest 1.2 Trillion Won in Artificial Sun Research Facility
Expected to Create 10,000 Jobs and Generate 10 Trillion Won in Economic Impact
Seven Regions, Including Naju, Compete Nationwide for Facility
Industry-Academia-Research Infrastructure with KENTECH and Korea Electric Power Corporation
Superconductor Test Facility in Operation Since 2022
Naju Considered Favorable in Site Evaluation Criteria

Yoon Byungtae, Mayor of Naju City, participated in the relay challenge to support attracting the artificial sun research facility to Jeonnam (Naju). Photo by Naju City

Naju in Jeonnam has entered the race to attract the artificial sun research facility, often referred to as the "energy of dreams," drawing significant public attention. Jeonnam Province also regards the attraction of the artificial sun facility to Naju as the final step in establishing an energy industry belt centered on the mid-western and northern regions of Jeonnam, including Sinan, Yeonggwang, and Haenam, and is focusing all administrative resources on this effort.

According to Jeonnam Province and other sources on November 3, the government is promoting the "Core Fusion Technology and Advanced Infrastructure Development" project (tentatively named Artificial Sun Research Facility), led by the Ministry of Science and ICT, with an investment of 1.2 trillion won.

The artificial sun is a future clean energy technology that mimics the principle of solar energy generation by fusing hydrogen, emitting almost no carbon dioxide. It is highly efficient, as 1 gram of hydrogen can generate as much energy as 8 tons of oil. This is a core technology not only for achieving carbon neutrality but also for the AI era, which requires large-scale power.

Jeonnam, with its abundant sunlight and wind, is considered to have optimal conditions for solar power and both onshore and offshore wind power industries. Based on this, Jeonnam Province plans to foster the mid-western and northern regions as an advanced base for the energy industry, driving the domestic AI-based energy transition. Large-scale renewable energy power industries are already being developed in various areas, including Sinan, Yeonggwang, Mokpo, and Jindo.

In particular, in Haenam, projects such as the SK-OpenAI Data Center and the Samsung SDS Consortium National AI Computing Center are underway, turning potential into reality. If Naju is selected as the site for the artificial sun facility, Jeonnam will undoubtedly become the mecca of the energy-centered industry.

Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeollanam-do, participated in a ceremony with attendees to wish for the successful attraction of the artificial sun research facility at the launch event of the "Artificial Sun Research Facility Attraction Committee" held on May 30 at the Korea Energy University in Naju. Provided by Jeollanam-do

The resulting synergy effect is expected to be significant.

If Naju is chosen as the site for the artificial sun research facility, around 300 companies are expected to establish themselves in the area, centering on Naju. This is projected to create more than 10,000 jobs and have an economic ripple effect exceeding 10 trillion won.

Naju City is currently competing to attract the artificial sun facility against six other regions nationwide, including Pohang, Gyeongju, and Ulsan in North Gyeongsang Province; Changwon in South Gyeongsang Province (estimated); Yuseong-gu in Daejeon; and Gunsan in North Jeolla Province.

While each region highlights its own strengths, Naju is considered to have a lead due to its solid energy industry foundation.

According to the Ministry of Science and ICT, the main evaluation criteria for the research facility site consist of a total of 100 points: basic requirements (40 points), site conditions (50 points), and policy alignment (10 points).

Naju is home to the Korea Energy Engineering University (KENTECH), the only university in Korea dedicated to cultivating talent in the energy industry. Around this university, energy valley industrial complexes and related companies and research institutes are being established. With over 670 power and energy companies, including Korea Electric Power Corporation, Naju is highly rated for the connection between research and industry.

Furthermore, since 2022, Naju has been the first in the country to establish and operate a "superconductor test facility," one of the core technologies for artificial sun commercialization research.

Additionally, Naju boasts a solid granite terrain and has never experienced a major earthquake for decades, indicating strong geological stability. This is a unique advantage that other competing regions do not possess.

Another favorable factor is that there are currently no large-scale, state-led scientific research facilities in Gwangju and Jeonnam. This aligns with the Lee Jaemyung administration's top priority of balanced national development.

It is also noteworthy that all 22 cities and counties in Jeonnam are united in their support for attracting the artificial sun research facility to Naju.

On October 30, Jeonnam Province launched the Artificial Sun Research Facility Attraction Committee. Local government heads from neighboring areas, including Koo Bokgyu, Mayor of Hwasun, and Jeong Cheolwon, Mayor of Damyang, are participating in the "relay challenge" to wish for the successful attraction of the artificial sun research facility.

Naju City has also launched a citywide petition to support the attraction of the artificial sun research facility.

Kang Sanggu, Deputy Mayor of Naju, stated, "Naju has a solid foundation to serve as the heart of the energy industry, including power. The artificial sun is a core technology for future generations, but much preparation is needed for commercialization. We have secured a budget of 49.8 billion won for the superconductor test facility, which is being built at KENTECH, and we expect many related technologies to emerge from this. We are also working with Korea Electric Power Corporation affiliates to localize power industry components needed for the operation of the power grid and the artificial sun facility."

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Science and ICT plans to select the final candidate site by the end of this month after reviewing the proposals, conducting on-site inspections, and evaluating presentations.