Naju's "Artificial Sun Research Facility" Selected for Pre-Feasibility Study by Ministry of Science and ICT as Future Energy Hub

Passed Ministry of Science and ICT's Technical Evaluation
Large-Scale National Project Gains Momentum
Total Project Cost Estimated at 1.2 Trillion Won
Establishing a Core Hub for Fusion Research
Linked with KENTECH and Energy Infrastructure,
Aiming to Become Korea's Center for Nuclear Fusion

A panoramic view of the planned site for the artificial sun research facility in Wanggok-myeon, Naju City. Provided by Naju City

Naju City in South Jeolla Province is taking another step toward becoming a national hub for nuclear fusion research, often referred to as the "energy of dreams." The city has secured significant momentum for a large-scale national project to build an artificial sun research facility.

On January 30, Naju City announced that the "Development of Core Fusion Technologies and Strategic Infrastructure Project" had been officially selected as a candidate for the preliminary feasibility study (hereinafter referred to as "pre-feasibility study") for national research and development projects overseen by the Ministry of Science and ICT (hereinafter referred to as "the Ministry").

In a press release issued the same day, the Ministry stated, "This project aims to advance the seven core technologies of fusion energy to the level just before real-world application," adding, "It includes the establishment of the 'Fusion Energy Core Technology Demonstration Center,' which will verify technology development outcomes and support the private sector in securing key technologies, laying the foundation for the commercialization of fusion energy. The project will undergo an in-depth review over the next seven months."

This selection is particularly meaningful as it marks the first major milestone in which the technical feasibility and viability of the project have been officially recognized by the government since Naju City was finalized as the site for the artificial sun research facility in December last year.

The pre-feasibility study is a procedure that comprehensively evaluates the necessity of investment, economic feasibility, and policy relevance for projects that require large-scale national funding.

Only projects that pass the technical evaluation are included as candidates for the pre-feasibility study, after which a main review determines whether the project will ultimately proceed.

In line with this selection, Naju City plans to strengthen its cooperation system with South Jeolla Province and the Korea Institute of Energy Technology (KENTECH), focusing its administrative capabilities on passing the main review within 2026.

If the pre-feasibility study is passed, the project is expected to break ground in 2028 and be completed by 2036.

The artificial sun research facility is a mega-scale national research infrastructure project with a total investment of approximately 1.2 trillion won, and is expected to be established in the Wanggok-myeon area of Naju City.

The facility will provide a research foundation for high-temperature plasma control and the demonstration of key components, which are core technologies for the commercialization of nuclear fusion.

Naju City has been recognized for its strengths in attracting the research facility, based on the presence of Korea Electric Power Corporation headquarters, KENTECH, and a cluster of energy companies. In particular, the area’s stable granite bedrock, which is advantageous for installing large precision equipment, received high marks.

Byungtae Yoon, Mayor of Naju, stated, "This selection as a candidate for the pre-feasibility study is a valuable achievement made possible by the passionate support and wishes of 120,000 Naju citizens and 3.4 million provincial residents. We will do our utmost to ensure that the artificial sun research facility becomes a key hub leading the future energy industry of Korea by successfully passing the pre-feasibility study and following up with subsequent procedures."