Jeonnam Province Breaks Ground on Korea Energy University, the World's Only Energy-Specialized University

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] On the 1st, Jeonnam Province announced that it held the groundbreaking ceremony for the Korea Energy Technology University (KENTECH), the world's only energy-specialized university, on the site of Korea Energy Engineering University in Bitgaram Innovation City, Naju.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by government officials including Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum, Chairman Kim Sa-yeol of the National Balanced Development Committee, Vice Minister Park Jin-gyu of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, as well as local government representatives such as Jeonnam Governor Kim Young-rok, Gwangju Mayor Lee Yong-seop, Jeonnam Provincial Council Chairman Kim Han-jong, and Naju Mayor Kang In-gyu. Also present were Lee Hak-young, Chairman of the Industry, Trade, Energy, and Small and Medium Venture Business Committee, Democratic Party lawmakers Shin Jeong-hoon, Kim Seung-nam, So Byung-chul, Yoon Jae-gap, People Power Party lawmaker Kim Hyung-dong, KENTECH Chairman Kim Jong-gap, Korea Electric Power Corporation President Jung Seung-il, and KENTECH President Yoon Ui-jun.

At the groundbreaking ceremony, KENTECH announced its vision and implementation plan for the successful opening of the university in March 2022, including the status of university establishment and campus construction, and the university UI (University Identity).

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum stated, “To secure new growth engines in the energy sector for carbon neutrality, we need talented individuals who will lead continuous technological changes. The government will actively support KENTECH to lead the global trends in energy education and energy industry.”

Governor Kim Young-rok said, “I celebrate this historic groundbreaking day with 2 million residents and sincerely thank everyone who helped from attracting KENTECH, approving the basic plan, providing the site, to enacting the law. Since KENTECH has many tasks ahead, the nation and Korea Electric Power Corporation must provide substantial support.”

He also said, “Although KENTECH is a university of the Republic of Korea beyond Jeonnam Province, Jeonnam promises to take all roles and support.”

After the groundbreaking ceremony, an energy valley resident company meeting was held at the Energy Valley Enterprise Development Institute to listen to on-site opinions on corporate difficulties and development plans for the new energy industry.

Governor Kim explained to Prime Minister Kim the necessity of and requested support for three issues: improvement of local fiscal decentralization, hosting the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), and legal improvements for early promotion of offshore wind power.

Regarding the improvement of local fiscal decentralization, he proposed extending the special balanced project preservation period, which is the first phase issue, by at least five years and emphasized the need for balanced finance between the metropolitan area and rural fishing villages in the second phase of fiscal decentralization.

In particular, to host COP28, he demanded that before the national hosting is confirmed, the 12 cities and counties in the southern central region of the southern coast of Jeonnam and Gyeongnam be designated as the hosting area as a policy matter.

Meanwhile, Korea Energy Technology University is the world's only energy-specialized research and startup-oriented talent cultivation university. It has completed the enactment of the “Korea Energy Technology University Act,” which is the legal basis for university establishment and operation, the establishment of a special corporation, and the announcement of university admission guidelines.

Going forward, it plans to proceed smoothly with university promotion, student recruitment procedures, and campus construction to open in March 2022.

So far, Jeonnam Province has played a decisive role at every important moment in preparing for the establishment and normal opening of KENTECH, including signing the implementation agreement for the establishment of KENTECH, launching the pan-city and provincial support committee, securing the university site, preparing construction plans utilizing core facilities for opening, and enacting special laws.

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