Acting President Jinho Park of KENTECH Joins Challenge to Attract Artificial Sun Research Facility to Naju

Jinho Park, Acting President of Korea Energy Engineering University, participated in the 'Relay Challenge' wishing for the attraction of the artificial sun (nuclear fusion) research facility, a future clean energy source, to Naju, Jeonnam. Provided by Korea Energy Engineering University

Korea Energy Engineering University (KENTECH) announced on October 26 that Acting President Jinho Park participated in the 'Relay Challenge' wishing for the attraction of the artificial sun (nuclear fusion) research facility, a future clean energy source, to Naju, Jeonnam.

The artificial sun refers to technology that replicates the nuclear fusion reactions occurring inside the sun here on Earth, utilizing the principle that massive amounts of energy are released when hydrogen nuclei combine to form helium. Unlike fossil fuels such as coal and oil, it does not emit carbon dioxide. It is considered a 'perfect future energy source' because it is highly efficient-1 gram of hydrogen can generate as much electricity as 8 tons of oil-and the fuel, deuterium, can be supplied infinitely from seawater.

Currently, KENTECH is conducting research on key element technologies such as superconducting conductors, high-temperature plasma, and energy conversion. In particular, KENTECH is building the nation's first 'superconducting conductor test facility' with the goal of completion by 2028, establishing a research ecosystem in collaboration with Jeonnam Province and Naju City. This facility will be used to test core components of future nuclear fusion demonstration devices and is expected to serve as the foundation for Korea's self-reliance in nuclear fusion technology.

Jinho Park, Acting President, who was nominated by Naju Mayor Byungtae Yoon, stated, "The artificial sun is a next-generation clean energy technology that will provide solutions to the climate crisis and energy transition faced by humanity," adding, "As the world's only university specializing in energy, KENTECH plays a central role in building nuclear fusion research infrastructure and cultivating specialized talent."

He continued, "The artificial sun research facility is not simply a regional development project, but a strategic infrastructure that forms the foundation of national energy security and industrial competitiveness," emphasizing, "KENTECH will take the lead in attracting the facility as a central hub for research, technology development, and talent cultivation in collaboration with Jeonnam Province and Naju City."

Acting President Park designated Professor Kim Kiman, a leading authority in the field of nuclear fusion at KENTECH, as the next participant in the challenge.

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