Jeonnam-Gwangju Europe Office

Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan Government of South Korea

Category: 2025

Shinan County finalizes basic plan for 1,004 MW tidal energy development

Posted by on in 2025, Renewable EnergyLeave a comment

Shinan County announced on November 3 that it held the 2nd Tidal Power Generation Project Committee meeting and adopted the Final Report on the Basic Plan for the Promotion of the Shinan County Tidal Power Generation Project.

The plan aims to build a 1,040 MW tidal power facility in the waters around Shinan County, with completion set for 2040.

Tidal power uses the regular movement of seawater to produce clean energy. Unlike solar or wind power, it provides a steady and reliable energy source.

Shinan County plans to carry out the project in stages to adapt to future energy market changes and strengthen the stability of renewable energy supply.

Suncheon achieved the top spot in ESG evaluations among local governments nationwide

Posted by on in 2025, Renewable Energy, Solar EnergyLeave a comment

Suncheon City ranked first in the 2025 Local Government Sustainable Development ESG Evaluation by the ESG Happiness Economy Research Institute.

The evaluation measured the sustainable development and administrative performance of local governments using 106 indicators in the three areas environment, society, and governance. A total of 17 metropolitan and 226 basic local governments across the country were assessed.

Suncheon City received high scores in all categories and was recognized as a “model city for sustainable urban governance.” The ESG Happiness Economy Research Institute launched this evaluation in 2021 to assess local governments’ sustainability efforts and strengthen ESG-based administration. This year marks the third round of the assessment.

South Jeolla Province Launches Committee to Attract KRW 1.2 Trillion Artificial Sun Research Facility

Posted by on in 2025, Education, Renewable EnergyLeave a comment

On October 30th, South Jeolla Province, in collaboration with Naju City, Korea Energy University, and representatives from industry, academia, and research institutions, launched the Artificial Sun Research Facility Attraction Committee at Korea Energy University. The committee pledged to position the province as a key hub for future nuclear fusion energy technology through the successful attraction of the research facility. Participants also expressed their strong commitment to establishing Naju as the “center of Korea’s artificial sun research industry.”

The bidding committee has about 120 members, including lawmakers, media, civic and corporate leaders, university presidents, and science and technology experts, to ensure strong local participation and support.

Bid Committee Role to attract the Artificial Sun Research Facility to Naju

  • Promoting public awareness of the bid and mobilizing support
  • Coordinating joint requests to the government to host the facility in Jeollanam-do
  • Collaborating with regional universities, companies, and research institutes
  • Strengthening cooperation between the government and the National Assembly

Following the launch ceremony, South Jeolla Province plans to establish a public-private partnership to host the artificial sun research facility and to accelerate public participation and consensus-building. If selected as the host site, the facility is expected to significantly boost the local economy, attracting over 200 companies and creating more than 10,000 jobs by 2050 through the influx of specialized personnel and the concentration of related industries. The government announced on the 16th that it will select the final candidate site in November after reviewing proposals, conducting on-site evaluations, and assessing presentations.

RWTH Aachen University in Germany and Naju City Discuss Energy Technology Cooperation

Posted by on in 2025, Renewable EnergyLeave a comment

Naju City has initiated an exchange program with Germany’s RWTH Aachen University to enhance technological cooperation in the energy sector.

On October 10, Professor Thomas Gries from RWTH Aachen visited Naju to review the city’s key energy policies and projects, as well as to discuss future collaboration opportunities. The visit aimed to share Naju’s ongoing energy transition initiatives, particularly in the direct current (DC) industry.

During the discussions, participants outlined Naju’s “Energy Capital” policy and exchanged insights on collaborative research and innovation in response to the global shift toward renewable energy.

Vice Mayor Kang Sang-gu emphasized the significance of the partnership, saying that the Cooperation with RWTH Aachen University will be an important opportunity for Naju City to emerge as a global energy hub.

Source: https://www.namdonews.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=835717

Yeosu Selected as Final Candidate to Host 2026 UN Climate Week

Posted by on in 2025Leave a comment

Jeollanam-do announced on the 29th that Yeosu has been selected as the final domestic candidate city to host the 2026 UN Climate Week, organized by South Korea’s Ministry of Environment.

UN Climate Week, launched in 2021 under the UNFCCC, is a major international environmental event that brings together thousands of parties, international organizations, and NGOs to set the agenda ahead of the annual COP meetings.

The Ministry of Environment opened the national competition in September, with Yeosu (Jeollanam-do), Goyang (Gyeonggi-do), and Jeju among five applicants. After a document review and presentation, Yeosu was chosen, recognized for its strong record in hosting large-scale events like the 2012 World Expo and for its infrastructure.

The selection reflects Jeollanam-do’s strategic location for carbon neutrality, relevance to climate discussions, seasonal programs, regional solidarity, and strong civic engagement.

Jeollanam-do and Yeosu City will now work with the national government to finalize the hosting, preparing venues, programs, and logistics. Governor Kim Young-rok stated that the bid is “an opportunity for Korea to emerge as a global leader in responding to the climate crisis” and to showcase Jeollanam-do’s commitment to attracting COP33.

Jeonnam International Agricultural Expo Hosts On-site Promotions at Yeongnam-Honam Exchange Center

Posted by on in 2025, Agriculture, NatureLeave a comment

The Jeollanam-do International Agricultural Expo boosted anticipation for its upcoming October event by participating in the East-West Harmony Yeongnam-Honam Culture, Arts, and Tourism Expo in Damyang.

The three-day expo, which concluded on the 21st, highlighted cultural, artistic, and tourism exchanges between the Yeongnam and Honam regions. Visitors enjoyed local specialty exhibitions, cultural performances, and interactive activities such as traditional Korean games and social media-linked events.

Park Gwan-soo, Director of the Agricultural Expo, emphasized the importance of engaging directly with local communities to raise awareness and interest.

The 2025 International Agricultural Expo, themed “Agriculture Changes the World – Agricultural Innovation with AI, K-Agriculture that Cultivates Life,” will take place from October 23 to 29 at the Jeonnam Agricultural Research and Extension Services in Naju-si, Jeollanam-do.

South Korean Delegation Explores Bilbao’s Role as a Sustainable Energy Hub

Posted by on in 2025, Jeollanamdo & Europe, Wind EnergyLeave a comment

A delegation from Jeollanam-do Province in South Korea recently visited the Port of Bilbao to gain deeper insights into its transformation into a sustainable energy hub. The port presented its strategic projects in the fields of offshore wind, renewable hydrogen, synthetic fuels, and broader energy transition measures. A central focus was the BilbOPS project, which from 2027 will enable berthed vessels to connect to renewable shore power. This initiative will significantly reduce emissions and noise pollution in the port area and is partly financed through an €80 million loan from the European Investment Bank, underlining its importance for the region’s green transition.

The discussions also addressed the development of green and digital maritime corridors and the establishment of renewable hydrogen connections between Bilbao and Central Europe, reflecting the port’s ambition to become a key player in the European decarbonisation pathway. For the South Korean delegation, Bilbao’s advanced infrastructure, established logistics networks, and strong offshore energy value chain – with leading companies active in the sector – were of particular interest.

The visit not only provided the Korean representatives with a comprehensive overview of Bilbao’s sustainability efforts but also opened the door for future cooperation between Basque and Korean partners in renewable energy and port innovation. By learning from Bilbao’s example, Jeollanam-do aims to strengthen its own offshore wind and clean energy strategies while exploring opportunities for international collaboration.

More information here: https://www.bilbaoport.eus/en/news/south-korea-visits-the-port-of-bilbao-to-learn-about-its-role-as-a-sustainable-energy-hub/

Jeollanam-do Secures Additional 2.6 GW Offshore Wind Power Approval – 30 GW Target Within Reach

Posted by on in 2025, Investment, Wind EnergyLeave a comment

On June 27, South Korea’s Jeollanam-do Province received approval for seven offshore wind projects totaling 2.6 GW – including six projects near Shinan and one off the coast of Yeosu. This brings the province’s total approved offshore wind capacity to 21.3 GW, accounting for 61% of the country’s total (34.8 GW).

The newly approved projects were submitted by companies such as Credo Offshore, KCH, and Deep Wind Offshore. One of the projects is part of the large-scale Shinan offshore wind cluster (3.2 GW), with 8 out of 10 subprojects now officially approved.

Jeollanam-do aims to develop 30 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030, with region-specific targets such as 9 GW in Yeosu and 8.2 GW in Shinan.

Governor Kim Yung-rok emphasized the province’s ambition to become a global hub for offshore wind energy. He welcomed the new government’s strong support for renewables and highlighted regional initiatives like the AI Supercluster in Haenam and the introduction of an energy basic income system.

Earlier this month, the province also hosted Korea’s first Offshore Wind Industry Expo in Yeosu, signing cooperation agreements to promote clean energy and strengthen the local supply chain.

Source: https://www.jldnews.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=204478

Suncheon Sets Its Sights on Becoming a Global Healing City 🌿

Posted by on in 2025, Jeollanamdo & Europe, Nature, Tourism, World HeritageLeave a comment

Suncheon, a coastal city in South Korea’s Jeollanam-do Province, is positioning itself as a global hub for wellness tourism. A recent delegation visited the UK and Germany to study innovative models of nature-based healing and social prescribing.

In London, officials met with the National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP), where CEO Hammad Khan praised Suncheon’s eco-therapy approach as a “practical and powerful model.” Plans are underway for a formal partnership.

Mayor Noh Kwan-kyu emphasized Suncheon’s unique blend of UNESCO-designated gardens, tidal flats, and wetland reserves, which the city plans to integrate with culture, biotech, and sustainable tourism.

The team also explored Maggie’s Healing Center in Manchester and the Kneipp Gardens in Bad Wörishofen, Germany, drawing inspiration for a holistic wellness infrastructure.

Armed with new insights, Suncheon is accelerating efforts to become a global model for healing, nature, and mindful living.

Source: Maeil Business Newspaper

CJ CheilJedang Joins Forces with Jeollanam-do and Haenam for Sustainable Seaweed Farming

Posted by on in 2025, AllgemeinLeave a comment

CJ CheilJedang has entered into a strategic partnership with Jeollanam-do Province and Haenam City to develop a sustainable seaweed aquaculture project. This initiative is designed to increase seaweed production while prioritizing environmental sustainability. By incorporating eco-friendly cultivation techniques and leveraging advanced agricultural technologies, the project aims to enhance efficiency in seaweed farming while reducing its ecological footprint.

Additionally, the collaboration is expected to provide economic benefits to the local community by creating jobs and supporting regional businesses involved in the seaweed industry. By expanding the export of high-quality seaweed products, CJ CheilJedang hopes to strengthen South Korea’s position in the global market. This initiative aligns with the company’s long-term commitment to sustainable development, environmental responsibility, and fostering regional economic growth through strategic cooperation.