Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeonnam, Deliberates on Response to Petrochemical Industry Crisis

Discussion with Minister An Deokgeun of MOTIE
Requests for Establishment of CCUS Cluster and More

Kim Youngrok Jeonnam Governor

Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeollanam-do, requested An Deokgeun, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, on the 18th for the swift designation of Yeosu as a "Preemptive Industrial Crisis Response Area" to overcome the crisis in the local petrochemical industry, as well as for the establishment of a Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) cluster and other regional issues.

On the morning of the same day, during a phone call with Minister An at the National Assembly, Governor Kim stated, "As the downturn in the petrochemical industry continues, the local economy is experiencing prolonged stagnation. We plan to apply for the designation of a 'Preemptive Industrial Crisis Response Area' on March 4. I kindly ask for your support so that the designation can be made as quickly as possible, preferably within a month."

He continued, "As the deficits of companies in the Yeosu Industrial Complex are worsening and industrial electricity rates rose by 10% last October, there have been many requests for support from companies. I hope such aspects can be included in the Preemptive Industrial Crisis Response Area program."

Regarding the establishment of the Yeosu Industrial Complex CCUS cluster, he said, "A feasibility study for the cluster is currently underway, and once it is completed, we will apply for the project. Since this project was initiated at the suggestion of Jeollanam-do, I request your cooperation so that the Yeosu Industrial Complex can be designated."

He also added, "In Jeollanam-do, we are making efforts to attract large-scale data center investments based on abundant land and renewable energy. To achieve this, timely power supply is essential, so I request that the power grid issues be resolved smoothly."

In response, Minister An said, "Please ensure that cooperative relationships with local residents are well maintained," and added, "I also hope that the attraction of companies will be successful."

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