Jeonnam Province Launches Relay Challenge to Attract Artificial Sun Research Facility

Governor Kim Youngrok Takes the Lead as First Participant
Efforts to Build Momentum for the Bid
Chairman Kim Taegyun and Superintendent Kim Daejung Among Next Nominees

Jeonnam Governor Kim Youngrok participated in the relay support challenge for attracting the artificial sun research facility to Jeonnam. Photo by Jeonnam Province

Jeonnam Province has launched a "relay challenge" to garner the interest and aspirations of all its residents in hopes of attracting the artificial sun (nuclear fusion) research facility, a future clean energy project, to the region.

Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeonnam Province, who took the lead as the first participant, stated, "Jeonnam is the optimal location for attracting the artificial sun research facility, as it possesses both a scientific foundation and capabilities, including the Korea Institute of Energy Technology." He added, "We will mobilize the full strength of all residents to ensure we secure the facility."

Governor Kim nominated Kim Taegyun, Chairman of the Jeonnam Provincial Council, Kim Daejung, Superintendent of Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education, and Yoon Byungtae, Mayor of Naju, as the next participants. Moving forward, university presidents, mayors, county heads, and other figures from various sectors are expected to join in, uniting their aspirations for the successful bid.

The artificial sun (nuclear fusion) refers to a technology that mimics the way the sun generates energy, using hydrogen to produce clean energy. As a clean energy source optimized for achieving carbon neutrality, it is drawing attention as a power engine for the AI era, which demands large-scale electricity.

Jeonnam Province is making every effort to attract the facility by highlighting its abundant renewable energy resources such as solar and offshore wind power, as well as its research and industrial infrastructure, including Korea Electric Power Corporation, the Korea Institute of Energy Technology, and Energy Valley.

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