A blueprint of Samsung Electronics’ new chip plant under construction in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul. (Image : Yonhap)
SEOUL, March 9 (Korea Bizwire) – South Korea’s industry ministry said Wednesday it will make efforts to provide Samsung Electronics Co. with a stable power supply to its new factory under construction in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, in line with its efforts to eradicate hurdles in corporate investment.
The remark came as the South Korean tech giant has been facing trouble in finding stable sources of electricity for its new chip factory located some 70 kilometers south of Seoul amid protests from neighboring cities.’
Dangjin, located west of Pyeongtaek, has been protesting against the construction of a power substation in the area. Anseong, located east, also protested the plan, demanding the transmission lines be built underground.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said it will make efforts to provide stable energy by utilizing a plant in Pyeongtaek.
“As the first phase of the project, the construction of a 154kV transmission line will begin in March, which will be completed by October,” said Industry Minister Joo Hyung-hwan in a meeting with business leaders. “We will make efforts to ensure the first stages of operation for the factory would begin at the end of this year as scheduled.”
Samsung Electronics is estimated to have invested 15.6 trillion won (US$12.8 billion) in the chip plant that will begin full operation next year. It marked the company’s largest-ever investment in a single production line.
The ministry said it will continue the construction throughout 2018 to build two more transmission lines for a stable supply of power to the factory. The government also plans to continue efforts to reach agreements with surrounding cities as well.
The government added it will also make efforts to create a stable power supply for LG Display Co.’s new organic light-emitting diode plant in Paju, north of Seoul.
(Yonhap)
