Board of Audit and Inspection: "Saemangeum Solar Power Designed by Unlicensed Contractor"

Announcement of Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Public Audit Results... Accountability Demanded for Design Service Contract Officials

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] The Board of Audit and Inspection has released a report stating that Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) entrusted design services to an unlicensed contractor during the promotion of the Saemangeum floating solar power project.

On the 17th, the Board of Audit and Inspection announced the results of the "Public Interest Audit Request on Allegations of Preferential Treatment in the Saemangeum Floating Solar Power Project."

According to the Board of Audit and Inspection, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), selected as the project operator for the Saemangeum floating solar power project, jointly established a special purpose company (SPC) with Company A to promote the project.

The Board of Audit and Inspection explained, "According to the Electric Power Technology Management Act and related laws, design services for electric power facilities must be commissioned to designers registered as comprehensive design firms or first-class specialized design firms," adding, "The scale of design services for the floating solar power project (total project cost of 4.62 trillion KRW) clearly exceeds the amount announced by the Ministry of Strategy and Finance, making it subject to public notice of execution plans."

Upon reviewing the qualifications for performing the design services, the Board confirmed that Company A did not hold any design business license at the time of signing the joint development agreement and therefore was not qualified to perform the design services for the floating solar power project.

The Board of Audit and Inspection pointed out, "The SPC signed a private contract (total contract amount of 22.811 billion KRW) with the unqualified Company A for the design and permit services of the Saemangeum solar power plant, where design services are a major task."

The Board requested the KHNP president to discipline three related personnel (with at least minor disciplinary action) who improperly handled the commissioning of design services for the Saemangeum floating solar power project.

Furthermore, the Board reported the SPC to the National Police Agency for violating the Electric Power Technology Management Act by improperly commissioning design services for electric power facilities.

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