The Wando-Jeju Submarine Power Cable Project: A Time for 'Win-Win Cooperation'

Opposition to Doam-ri Converter Station, Visit to Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission

Despite Acceptance of Compensation Plan, Challenges Remain Over Submarine Cable Compensation

Status of Submarine Transmission Line between Wando and Jeju (Photo by KEPCO)

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Kyung-pil] The undersea power transmission line project between Wando and Jeju has made progress following the submission of a resident consent form for the converter station in Doam-ri village, Wando-eup, to KEPCO at the end of May. However, some opposition and challenges such as compensation for the undersea cable are expected, raising the need for win-win cooperation between the two local governments of Jeonnam and Jeju.

On the 19th, KEPCO headquarters reviewed and conditionally accepted a compensation plan of 4 billion KRW agreed upon with the residents of Doam-ri village (compensation for transmission towers will be separately discussed and compensated by the transmission department). The condition is reportedly related to the timing of the compensation payment.

Currently, the selection of the operator for the Jeju-Wando undersea cable project is virtually down to price evaluation only, and it is known that LS Cable & System has passed the technical evaluation in recent price negotiations.

Having passed the technical evaluation, the decision on whether to conclude a private contract will depend on the project cost evaluation.

Regarding the ‘Jeju-Wando #3HVDC Undersea Cable Construction Project,’ KEPCO requested LS Cable & System on the 14th of last month to confirm their consent to a private contract and to submit a proposal, as LS Cable & System was the sole bidder in the additional re-bidding.

KEPCO is currently conducting a ‘price evaluation’ based on LS Cable & System’s proposal to decide whether the private contract will be finalized.

Accordingly, for the national project of the undersea power transmission line between Wando and Jeju to proceed more smoothly, both sides have raised the need for discussions on win-win cooperation between the local governments of Jeju and Jeonnam (Wando) as an additional driving force.

In particular, the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission visited Wando on the 5th and 6th to handle complaints filed through the People’s Petition regarding opposition to the Wando converter station and transmission towers.

The Commission’s visit to Wando was conducted to confirm a complaint filed by Mr. A, a resident of Wando-eup, opposing the installation of the converter station and transmission towers, and to seek mediation measures among the stakeholders.

A KEPCO official said, “We obtained consent by drafting an agreement with the village residents where the facilities such as the converter station will be installed, but it is also true that some residents strongly oppose this project.” He added, “These residents are filing complaints with the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and are conducting opposition campaigns.”

He continued, “The third interconnection project aims to distribute Jeju’s surplus power to other regions, but it is impossible without the consent of Wando residents,” and added, “If the Governor of Jeju directly steps in and makes a promise such as a win-win agreement with Wando County, this project could proceed more smoothly.”

The residents of Doam-ri, Wando-eup, who broke the deadlock of the undersea power transmission line project between Wando and Jeju?whose main purpose is stable power supply to Jeju?after four years, and whether practical discussions on win-win cooperation between the two local governments of Jeju and Jeonnam (Wando) will take place, and at what level results will be derived, are drawing keen attention from both sides.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.