Climate Minister Inspects Yongin Semiconductor Complex LNG Power Plant and Wastewater Discharge Sites

Kim Sung-hwan, Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment, visited the site on August 28 to directly assess local community concerns regarding the construction of an LNG (liquefied natural gas) power plant and the discharge of wastewater at the Yongin Semiconductor National Industrial Complex, and engaged in communication with residents.

The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment announced that Minister Kim inspected areas near the planned site for the LNG power plant at the Yongin National Industrial Complex in Anseong-si, Gyeonggi-do, as well as Gosam Lake, which is downstream from the site designated for wastewater discharge from the SK hynix semiconductor factory. He also held a meeting with local residents.

Kim Sung-hwan, Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment. Photo by Jo Yong-jun

Minister Kim first visited Yangseong-myeon in Anseong-si to examine the environmental impacts associated with the construction of the LNG power plant at the Yongin Semiconductor National Industrial Complex and the concerns raised by local residents. At this complex, Korea East-West Power, Korea Southern Power, and Korea Western Power each plan to build an LNG power plant with a 1 GW (gigawatt) capacity, supplying a total of 3 GW of electricity. An environmental impact assessment is currently being prepared for the power plant construction.

Minister Kim then visited Gosam Lake to review SK hynix's plans to discharge treated processing water from the Yongin semiconductor complex and assess the potential impacts on water quality and the aquatic ecosystem. SK hynix is pursuing the Yongin semiconductor complex project with the goal of commencing fab operations in the first half of 2027. The wastewater generated in the future will be properly treated and then either reused within the complex or discharged into Hancheon, which is located 10.5 km upstream from the inflow point of the Gosam Reservoir, via an ecological stream and an artificial wetland.

Following the on-site inspection, Minister Kim held a meeting with residents of Anseong-si, as well as local farmers, fishers, and other stakeholders, to listen to concerns and opinions regarding the industrial complex, power plant, and treated wastewater discharge. The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment announced that it will continue to strengthen communication with the local community to ensure residents receive sufficient information about the project and its environmental impacts, enabling them to make informed decisions based on objective data.

Minister Kim stated, "We will enhance communication with the community and seek reasonable, mutually beneficial solutions so that the advancement of national high-tech industries and the well-being of local residents can progress together."

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