Myung Hyun-kwan, the mayor of Haenam, has sent a letter to the president urging the development of Solar City as a national hub for artificial intelligence (AI) and renewable energy.
In his proposal, he outlined four key initiatives aimed at transforming Haenam's industrial structure and accessibility, including the designation of a national AI demonstration city and a renewable energy mega zone, the construction of a high-speed highway connecting Gwangju, Yeongam, and Haenam, and the establishment of large-scale power and water infrastructure.
According to Haenam County on September 17, Mayor Myung delivered the letter titled 'A Letter to the President' on September 16, presenting his vision for regional balanced development centered around Solar City.
In the letter, he stated, "Haenam has been preparing Solar City as a RE100 and AI advanced industry hub for the past six years," expressing his intention to materialize national balanced development policies in response to the concentration of resources in the capital region and the issue of local extinction.
The first initiative he proposed is the designation of Solar City as a 'national AI demonstration city' and a 'renewable energy mega zone.'
He suggested that with a site spanning 6.32 million square meters, Solar City should be developed into a strategic space connecting research and development to commercialization in the fields of AI, data centers, and renewable energy.
The second initiative involves the construction of a high-speed highway connecting Gwangju, Yeongam, and Haenam, along with a high-speed rail link. Mayor Myung emphasized that improving accessibility and living conditions is essential for attracting businesses and talent. He requested that the construction of the highway and the inclusion of a high-speed rail line from Mokpo Station or Muan International Airport to Haenam be reflected in the national railway network plan.
This initiative aims to establish a regional industrial axis connecting Gwangju's semiconductor industry and the energy and industrial base of the southwestern region.
The third initiative proposes the national-level establishment of power and water infrastructure in preparation for the concentration of AI data centers and the creation of RE100 industrial complexes.
He called for the construction of additional substations and transmission lines, as well as the establishment of water treatment facilities and pipelines necessary for large-scale industrial facilities to be pursued as national projects.
Mayor Myung stressed that securing these infrastructures in advance is crucial for creating favorable investment conditions for domestic and international AI data centers and advanced companies.
The fourth initiative focuses on attracting anchor companies in the renewable energy and power sectors. He proposed that the government actively identify and attract key companies in areas such as AI data centers, power equipment, energy storage systems (ESS), hydrogen production, and future mobility to Solar City, fostering an industrial ecosystem centered around these sectors.
Mayor Myung also conveyed the need for the national and local governments to take proactive measures in attracting strategic industries and key companies, rather than simply waiting for businesses to choose the industrial complex.
Myung Hyun-kwan stated, "We aim to transform the renewable energy of Honam into a competitive advantage for national AI and advanced industries, and Haenam will play a leading role in creating a successful model of regional balanced development. I ask for the president's attention and support to make Haenam's vision a reality."
Meanwhile, through this letter, Mayor Myung proposed the development of Solar City as a balanced development strategy that integrates the cultivation of AI and renewable energy industries, expansion of transportation networks, national infrastructure investment, and business attraction, rather than viewing it as an isolated regional project. Haenam County plans to continue advocating for the inclusion of these four key initiatives in national plans and related policies with the government and relevant ministries.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.