'The "So-Bu-Jang" Localization Vanguard: Final Decision on Synchrotron Radiation Accelerator on the 8th (Comprehensive)'

▲ Fourth-generation synchrotron radiation accelerator installed at Pohang Accelerator Laboratory. It consists of a 1.1 km straight line.

[Asia Economy Reporter Junho Hwang] The candidates for the next-generation multipurpose synchrotron radiation accelerator project have been narrowed down to Naju, Jeollanam-do, and Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do, as of the 6th, with the final candidate site to be decided two days later. The government will conduct on-site inspections of the two regions the following day and select the final candidate site on the 8th.

The Ministry of Science and ICT has narrowed down the candidates for the 1 trillion won synchrotron radiation accelerator project to Naju, Jeollanam-do, and Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do, following a competitive presentation. Four locations, including Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, and Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do, expressed their intention to host the project.

The government announced the shortlisted candidates without disclosing detailed evaluation results or rankings. The specific reasons for the selection will be revealed on the 8th when the final candidate site is chosen. Once the final site is selected, a preliminary feasibility study will be conducted, with the project starting in 2022 and full operation beginning in 2028. The government expects an economic ripple effect of 6.7 trillion won and employment effects for approximately 130,000 people.

Each local government has expressed its intention to host the synchrotron radiation accelerator and transform into a cutting-edge science and technology region. Naju emphasized balanced development in the Honam region and aims to achieve research outcomes linked with the synchrotron radiation accelerator and local science and technology universities such as GIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology), Chonnam National University, Jeonbuk National University, and Korea Electric Power Corporation University (scheduled to open). Cheongju highlighted its advantage of being easily accessible from anywhere nationwide and the concentration of research infrastructure nearby, including the Osong Bio-Health Science Industrial Complex and Deok Research Complex.

The newly constructed synchrotron radiation accelerator is expected to play a leading role in the localization of materials, parts, and equipment. The synchrotron radiation accelerator is called the "microscope of dreams" because it analyzes the world of ultra-fine materials using high-speed light (synchrotron radiation, high speed and high brightness) emitted when accelerated electrons change direction. It is used in various fields such as analysis of semiconductor devices below the nanometer scale, virus structure analysis, and development of antiviral drugs.

The government announced the plan to build a synchrotron radiation accelerator last March to support the localization of materials, parts, and equipment, triggered by Japan's export restrictions last year. Although the need for a next-generation synchrotron radiation accelerator had been raised by the industry, the smooth import of foreign raw materials and the enormous budget issues had prevented realization. In Korea, POSTECH operates two 3rd and 4th generation accelerators, but it is known to be struggling to meet the increasing demand.

▲Pohang University of Science and Technology Accelerator Laboratory and Synchrotron Radiation Accelerator. The long structure extending in the background is the Synchrotron Radiation Accelerator, which is approximately 1.1 km in length.
[Photo by Pohang University of Science and Technology]

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