Kim Eui-gyeom, the Saemangeum Development Administrator, took a cautious stance regarding the court's ruling to cancel the "Saemangeum New Airport" project, saying, "We will closely review the ruling and consult with the Ministry of Land."
Administrator Kim held a press briefing on the afternoon of the 11th at the Saemangeum Reclamation Museum in Buan-gun, North Jeolla, and said he would actively push to designate an RE100 industrial complex to attract advanced industries to Saemangeum. In the subsequent Q&A, regarding the court's ruling the same day to uphold the lawsuit to cancel the Saemangeum Airport master plan, he said, "Since the Ministry of Land is taking the lead, consultation is necessary," offering this answer.
Meanwhile, Administrator Kim, regarding Saemangeum's development, said, "Saemangeum is a region rich in renewable energy resources such as sunlight, wind, and tidal power. Based on this abundant renewable energy, I would like to raise Saemangeum as a 'renewable energy mecca.'"
Administrator Kim said, "Although 34 years have passed since the Saemangeum project broke ground in 1991, it has not grown as quickly as expected, and North Jeolla residents are disappointed," and added, "Now, based on abundant renewable energy, I hope Saemangeum will be designated for the government's RE100 industrial complex initiative. If designated, substantial fiscal support from the government will attract advanced industries and help Saemangeum take off."
He went on, "We are reviewing expanding the renewable energy facilities planned at 6 GW and also considering installing agrivoltaics by using part of the agricultural and bio land," and said, "In consultation with the relevant ministries, we will reflect this in the Saemangeum master plan (MP)."
To a question on whether industrial land is insufficient as corporations have become more active in moving in after the recent designation of a specialized complex for secondary batteries, he answered, "In the past three years, after the designation of the secondary battery specialized complex, many large-scale factories have moved in, and land is indeed in short supply," adding, "We will push to designate second and third industrial complexes to secure additional sites."
Regarding a question about wastewater treatment at precursor plants for secondary batteries, he explained, "Based on the Environment Ministry's certification system, we plan to thoroughly filter out pollutants and then discharge them into the ocean," and added, "From Plan A to Plan C, we will prepare measures that allow urgent responses so that corporations can invest with confidence."
He continued, "Although the Saemangeum precursor plant of LS L&F Battery Solution (LLBS), established as a joint venture between LS Group and L&F, is proceeding with overseas orders ahead of commercial operation in April next year, there were significant concerns over wastewater treatment," adding, "With response measures in place, corporations are expanding investment with confidence."
Asked when they aim to achieve 100% given that the Saemangeum industrial complex's sales rate is around 90% now, he answered, "Consultations related to investment are underway, and as sales are almost complete, we are expediting the reclamation of zones 7 and 8."