Jeollanam-do Submits Proposal to Attract Artificial Sun Research Facility

Naju Highlighted as the Optimal Site for Energy Specialization
Strong Commitment to Establishing a Global Fusion Energy Cluster

Performance for attracting the artificial sun on Jeonnam Province Residents' Day. Provided by Jeonnam Province

On November 13, Jeollanam-do submitted a proposal to the National Research Foundation of Korea to attract an artificial sun research facility, expressing its commitment to establishing a global fusion energy cluster in Naju, an energy-specialized city.

This move is in response to the Ministry of Science and ICT's announcement on October 15 regarding the site selection for the “(Tentative Name) Core Technology Development and Advanced Infrastructure Construction Project for Fusion Facilities.” The project aims to develop core technologies for the commercialization of fusion energy and to establish advanced research and industrial infrastructure through public-private cooperation.

Jeollanam-do has identified the attraction of the artificial sun research facility as its top administrative priority. Under the leadership of Governor Kim Yungrok, the province has established a unified “One-Team” system involving all departments and Naju City, and has thoroughly prepared to develop the optimal proposal.

Naju, the proposed site, boasts solid ground that is safe from earthquakes and natural disasters, as well as excellent residential conditions. In particular, it is considered the optimal location for fusion research that integrates both research and industry, as it is home to Korea Energy Engineering University (KENTECH)-the world's only energy-specialized university-and Korea Electric Power Corporation, along with a cluster of energy-related companies.

Jung Hyungu, Director of the Energy Industry Bureau of Jeollanam-do, stated, “This proposal was prepared with a comprehensive consideration of the site’s safety and usability,” adding, “We are confident that Naju, as an energy-specialized city, is the best location for establishing a fusion research facility in terms of site conditions and residential environment.”

The “artificial sun research facility” is a large-scale national research facility designed to realize the principle of solar fusion on Earth. It is regarded as a key infrastructure for securing clean energy and achieving technological self-reliance in future advanced industries.

Jeollanam-do, reflecting the aspirations of its two million residents, has reaffirmed its determination to prove that the province is the optimal location for the artificial sun research facility and to ensure its successful attraction.

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