Governor Kim Young-rok of Jeollanam-do expressed his welcome, stating, “With Naju being selected as the site for the artificial sun research facility, the last piece needed for Jeonnam and Honam to become true AI energy capitals has been completed.”
On the 25th, Governor Kim wrote on his Facebook page, describing this achievement as “a great accomplishment and historical feat that once again proves Jeonnam’s strength, prepared through great sacrifice over many years and relentless challenges and innovation.”
Governor Kim noted that “the explosive growth of the AI industry necessitates a stable, large-scale power source, and the solution and finale to this is nuclear fusion’s artificial sun.” He expressed that, with the dream energy of the artificial sun as a stepping stone, the three provinces of Jeonnam, Gwangju, and Jeonbuk will soon lead cutting-edge technology and new industries.
Furthermore, he added that they anticipate the region transforming into a scientific and high-tech city attracting the world’s top scientists and engineers, securing investments from 300 related companies, creating 10,000 jobs, and generating an economic impact worth 10 trillion won.
The Ministry of Science and ICT will accept objections until December 3 and plans to finalize the site location. Once confirmed, a preliminary feasibility study will be conducted in 2026, with construction commencing in 2027 and completion targeted for 2037, as part of the 1.2 trillion won research facility project.