Assemblyman Jeong Junho Proposes Relocating Korea District Heating Corporation to Gwangju-Jeonnam

Plan to Resolve SRF Conflict Using Administrative Integration Incentives

Jeong Junho, a member of the National Assembly from the Democratic Party of Korea representing Gwangju Buk-gu Gap, has proposed relocating Korea District Heating Corporation to the Gwangju-Jeonnam Integrated Special City by utilizing the government's incentives for metropolitan administrative integration. His plan aims to resolve the long-standing conflict over the Gwangju SRF power facility and to develop Gwangju and Jeonnam into a hub for the energy industry.

Jeong Junho, Member of the National Assembly of the Democratic Party of Korea.

On January 18, Assemblyman Jeong stated, "We need to strategically utilize the government-provided incentives for relocating public institutions," emphasizing the necessity of moving the energy-focused public enterprise, Korea District Heating Corporation. On January 16, the government announced incentives for metropolitan government integration, including the relocation of public institutions, annual financial support of 5 trillion won (20 trillion won over four years), revitalization of regional industries, and priority application of balanced development policies.

Assemblyman Jeong identified the cause of the SRF conflict as a "structural issue stemming from the absence of an entity responsible for the regional energy system, rather than problems with technology or safety." Korea District Heating Corporation is an energy public enterprise responsible for waste-to-energy conversion, combined heat and power generation, and supplying eco-friendly heat.

He outlined several anticipated benefits of the relocation, including normalization of SRF operations, establishment of a roadmap for eco-friendly transition, integrated management of heat and energy demand and supply at the metropolitan level, and prevention of future conflicts. He stated, "The most tangible outcome that citizens can experience from administrative integration is the relocation of a high-quality public institution," adding, "If Korea District Heating Corporation is established in the region, the SRF issue could serve as a model for the national energy transition policy."

He further noted, "Relocating a public enterprise with annual sales of 3.5 trillion won will serve as a key driver for the growth of the energy industry in the Integrated Special City," and pledged, "In cooperation with the government, I will ensure this leads to resolving local issues and securing future growth engines."