Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment Kim Seong-hwan visited the Gwangju No. 1 Wastewater Treatment Plant to assess plans for supplying 300,000 tons of recycled wastewater daily to ensure a stable industrial water supply for the semiconductor complex in the Honam region. This initiative aims to address uncertainties in water supply due to climate change while also improving the water quality of the Yeongsan River.
The ministry announced that Minister Kim would visit the Gwangju No. 1 Wastewater Treatment Plant in Jeonnam Gwangju Unified Special City on the afternoon of August 7 to review the installation plans for the recycled wastewater facility and the conditions for supplying industrial water.
The Gwangju No. 1 Wastewater Treatment Plant is located about 3 kilometers from the planned site of the Honam semiconductor industrial complex and processes approximately 600,000 tons of wastewater daily. Currently, improvements are underway to enhance the quality of treated water that is discharged into the Yeongsan River.
The ministry plans to install a recycled wastewater facility at this site to produce and supply 300,000 tons of industrial water daily. The actual supply volume, timing, and required water quality will be finalized in consultation with local governments and companies, taking into account the schedule for the industrial complex's development and the water demand of incoming businesses.
In South Korea, recycled wastewater is utilized as industrial water in various sectors, including steel, electronics, and heavy chemicals. Recently, the supply of recycled water has been expanding, particularly in the semiconductor industry, which has high water demand. Semiconductor companies are increasing their water reuse by treating water used in manufacturing processes for internal recycling, in addition to using externally supplied recycled water.
Major semiconductor-producing countries such as Taiwan, the United States, and Singapore are also supplying recycled wastewater for industrial use or expanding reuse within their processes. Taiwanese semiconductor giant TSMC utilizes recycled wastewater in its production processes through a government-established supply system.
The ministry aims to expand the reuse of treated wastewater, focusing on large-scale water demand sites like industrial complexes. Under the 'Promotion and Support of Water Reuse Act,' which will take effect on December 10, the government will also actively promote the installation and operation of wastewater treatment and reuse facilities in areas vulnerable to water supply.
Minister Kim stated, "The treated wastewater from the Gwangju No. 1 Wastewater Treatment Plant is an important water resource that can be utilized as industrial water for the Honam semiconductor industrial complex. We will establish a supply system of 300,000 tons daily without any issues, ensuring a stable water supply for the nation's advanced industries while simultaneously improving the water quality of the Yeongsan River."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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