Gwangju Energy Park, a Landmark of Energy Transition Stands Tall

Since Opening, Averaging 500 Visitors Monthly, Establishing as a Local Attraction

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] The Energy Park established by Gwangju Metropolitan City last year is emerging as a landmark for energy transition.

According to Gwangju City on the 24th, the Energy Park opened in September last year at Sangmu Citizen's Park and has been in full operation since then.

Its establishment was promoted in connection with Gwangju City's declaration as an energy self-sufficient city by 2045.

Since its opening, it has become a local attraction, with about 500 visitors per month on average, by presenting exhibition halls and outdoor exhibits that allow citizens to easily and diversely experience new energy technologies.

The exhibition hall is largely composed of four spaces: ▲‘Energy Hall’ introducing the value of electricity and the development of the energy industry ▲‘Green Planet’ introducing climate and environmental changes and renewable energy technologies ▲‘Smart Energy’ showing the value and necessity of electricity and 4th industrial technologies ▲‘Epilogue’ where visitors can directly experience future energy.

The outdoor exhibits include a total of nine types: ▲energy experience playground ▲solar tree ▲energy bridge ▲energy fountain ▲Energy Park signage ▲smart streetlights ▲smart benches ▲and art sculptures by local artists symbolizing energy.

Additionally, at Energy Park, visitors can experience future renewable energies such as solar power, wind energy, and hydrogen fuel cells, and naturally encounter AI smart energy through smart home AR experiences, drones, and autonomous model cars.

In February, a solar power generation facility (50 kW), a representative renewable energy installation, will be newly established in the exhibition hall to expand citizens' awareness of renewable energy dissemination.

In March, Gwangju City will install an energy information platform display board to provide a comprehensive view of the usage of the region's four major energies (electricity, gas, water, heat) and renewable energy (solar power).

Furthermore, various educational and promotional programs utilizing both inside and outside the exhibition hall will be actively promoted, including citizen participation projects related to energy transition.

This year, three representative citizen participation programs will also be operated: ▲‘Energy Labeler (Guide) Training’ ▲‘Energy Transition Trail Tour’ ▲‘Energy Day (Time to Change Energy)’ events. Any citizens interested in energy transition can participate, and recruitment will be conducted both online and offline in the future.

Energy Park operates from Tuesday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and admission is free. For inquiries related to exhibition hall visits, contact the Gwangju Energy Park Exhibition Hall.

Son Kyungjong, Director of the AI Industry Bureau of the city, said, “We hope Energy Park plays a significant role as a regional landmark that informs citizens about the importance of future energy new technologies and enhances understanding of energy transition,” adding, “We will continuously improve any insufficient facilities to make it a place where many citizens can freely use.”

Meanwhile, since declaring the nation’s first ‘2045 Energy Self-Sufficient City’ in July 2020, Gwangju City has been promoting citizen-led green decentralization, including expanding renewable energy distribution, creating energy transition villages, and building citizen solar power plants. In September last year, as part of a win-win cooperation project with Korea Electric Power Corporation and Energy Valley, Energy Park was established within Sangmu Citizen's Park.

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