Jeonnam Province Launches 'Blue Economy Project' in Full Swing

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[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Jeonnam Province (Governor Kim Young-rok) has officially launched the ‘Clean Jeonnam Blue Economy Project.’

Jeonnam Province announced on the 25th that it held the ‘Blue Energy Forum’ and ‘Offshore Wind Power Plant Site Meeting’ at Korea Electric Power Corporation on the 24th.

Since proclaiming the ‘Blue Economy’ vision last year, the province has designated this year as the ‘First Year of Realizing Clean Jeonnam Blue Economy’ and is accelerating efforts to secure momentum for the promotion strategies and execution plans of the six major projects.

The forum was graced by key figures including Kang Ki-jung, Senior Secretary for Political Affairs at the Blue House; Kim Young-rok, Governor of Jeonnam Province; Jung Seung-il, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy; and National Assembly members Shin Jeong-hoon and Kim Won-i.

At the forum, under the vision of ‘Jeonnam, the Global Energy New Industry Capital,’ experts presented and discussed topics focusing on the core of ‘Blue Energy,’ including the ‘Plan for Establishing Jeonnam Offshore Wind Power Plant Complex’ and the ‘Construction of the Next-Generation Circular Radiation Light Accelerator.’

Notably, Professor Moon Seung-il of Seoul National University attracted attention with his keynote speech titled ‘Why Jeonnam is the Optimal Location for the New Energy Industry,’ proposing the designation of a West Coast Green Energy Belt Special Zone for large-scale renewable energy introduction and the implementation of a green tariff system as part of the ‘Jeonnam-type Green New Deal Project.’

Governor Kim Young-rok stated, “In line with the government’s Green New Deal policy in the post-COVID-19 era, Jeonnam Province will link the ‘Green New Deal’ with ‘Jeonnam-type Win-Win Jobs’ and actively discover policies centered on eco-friendly green energy to lead the ‘Korean-style Green New Deal.’ I hope today’s forum serves as an opportunity to explore directions for Jeonnam’s leap to become the ‘Global Energy New Industry Capital.’”

Senior Secretary Kang Ki-jung also said, “The government will pay attention to ensure the smooth preparation of Korea Electric Power Corporation University. Although it is regrettable that the bid to host the radiation light accelerator, a long-cherished hope of Honam, was unsuccessful, if we continuously emphasize the necessity and justification for establishing large-scale research facilities and work together, good results will follow.”

After the forum, they moved to Mokpo New Port and attended an on-site economic meeting regarding the offshore wind power plant complex.

The meeting included presentations on the ‘Blue Economy Promotion Status’ and listening to difficulties and suggestions from local business leaders such as Yoon Jung-won, Group Leader of SK E&S, and Jin Jong-wook, Head of the Renewable Energy BU at Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction Co., Ltd.

In particular, proposals and responses were exchanged to secure momentum for the offshore wind power project, including the designation of the energy development zone in the planned area of the Shinan offshore wind power plant complex, expansion of government-level use of domestically produced equipment, and increased subsidy support for Green New Deal investment companies.

Senior Secretary Kang Ki-jung emphasized, “This meeting was prepared to review the progress of the Blue Economy vision announced during last year’s Jeonnam economic tour and to devise necessary follow-up support measures so that the economic tour can serve as a practical momentum for regional growth. Together with related ministries, we will prepare the necessary solutions to realize Jeonnam’s ‘Blue Energy’ vision and contribute to securing the driving force for promoting ‘Jeonnam-type Win-Win Jobs.’”

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