Naju City Selected as Top Candidate Site for "Artificial Sun" Research Facility
On the 24th, it was confirmed that Naju City in South Jeolla Province has been selected as the top candidate site for the "Core Fusion Technology Development and Advanced Infrastructure Construction Project" publicly solicited by the Ministry of Science and ICT.
Photo of Assemblyman Ahn Do-gul. Provided by Assemblyman Ahn Do-gul
This result came immediately after a joint press conference on the 19th, where eight National Assembly members from the Gwangju region, including Assemblyman Ahn Dogeol, strongly expressed their commitment to attracting the project. It is a significant achievement, as it was accomplished through the unified efforts of the local political community and residents.
The artificial sun (nuclear fusion) research facility is a national strategic research center that studies next-generation clean energy technologies by creating ultra-high-temperature plasma reactions, similar to those inside the sun, using deuterium and tritium extracted from seawater as fuel.
Because it emits no carbon and carries an extremely low risk of fuel depletion, it is regarded as a game-changing technology that could transform the future power paradigm.
Assemblyman Ahn Dogeol explained, "Naju City is the optimal location, as it offers excellent site conditions, high community acceptance, and a strong industrial-academic-research cluster. The fact that a site safe from earthquakes and disasters has been secured was also a key factor in receiving high marks."
In particular, the Naju Innovation City, which combines AI and energy industry foundations, is recognized as a highly competitive candidate due to its tremendous potential to grow into a national clean energy convergence cluster.
Assemblyman Ahn emphasized, "This is the result of 18 National Assembly members-eight from Gwangju and ten from South Jeolla-joining forces with one voice. This selection is a symbolic example of what can be achieved when a region unites."
He added, "With this opportunity, Gwangju and South Jeolla are expected to emerge as a core axis of the national clean energy strategy, known as the 'Five Axes and Three Special Zones.'"
Furthermore, he pledged, "This project will mark a new turning point for regional development. I will ensure that the follow-up procedures and budget are carried out without disruption at the National Assembly level."
Meanwhile, if Naju City is ultimately confirmed as the site, the project will officially begin with a preliminary feasibility study in 2026, followed by groundbreaking in 2027 and completion in 2037. The large-scale research facility construction project is expected to proceed in earnest, with a total budget of 1.2 trillion won.
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