A ribbon cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the completion of Hongcheon Eco-friendly Energy Town, which is composed of unwanted public facilities such as manure treatment plants. (Image : Yonhap)
HONGCHEON, Dec.11 (Korea Bizwire) – A ribbon cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the completion of Hongcheon Eco-friendly Energy Town, which is composed of unwanted public facilities such as manure treatment plants.
A total of 500 guests, including Minister of Environment Yoon Sung-gyu, Gangwon Province Governor Choi Mun-soon, and Korea Environment Corporation Chairman Lee Si-jin.
After watching the opening ceremony, the participants took a tour of the key facilities, which turn animal manure into bio-gas, and compost into resources.
The eco-friendly energy town is built on unwanted public facilities that produce and sell recycled energy. It can resolve the NIMBY (not in my back yard) phenomenon and energy crisis at the same time.
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the completion of Hongcheon Eco-friendly Energy Town, which is composed of unwanted public facilities such as manure treatment plants. (Image : Yonhap)
The sewage treatment plant and manure treatment plant in Somegok town were the source of unpleasant odors, causing land prices to fall, and the area was neglected by locals.
However, as the eco-friendly energy town was developed, the cost of fuel was reduced as the gas produced from food waste and animal manure was provided to residents. The residue from the used manure is also recycled as compost.
Solar panels and small hydro power plants were installed at the sewage treatment plant.
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the completion of Hongcheon Eco-friendly Energy Town, which is composed of unwanted public facilities such as manure treatment plants. (Image : Yonhap)
Community centers were built, flowers were planted along the river, and the village hall was redecorated.
The economic spinoffs from the town’s gas supply, compost production and electricity generated by solar and small hydro power are expected to reach 190 million won per year.
As a result, the number of households in the area increased from 57 to 70, and the village is changing into a more desirable place to live.
A total of 14.1 billion won has been invested in the business since 2013. The government is creating 13 eco-friendly energy towns all over the country to solve environmental and energy issues at the same time.
By Francine Jung (francine.jung@kobizmedia.co.kr)
