KEPCO confirms Seongsong-myeon as site for new 345kV substation after 3-year delay
Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) announced that Seongsong-myeon, Gochang-gun, Jeollabuk-do was selected as the final site for the 345kV Sinchang Substation, resolving a nearly three-year delay through unanimous resident agreement.
Our take
How did KEPCO overcome local opposition to secure a site for a critical substation?
The successful siting of the 345kV Sinchang Substation, after three years of delay, demonstrates a shift in local community engagement, where KEPCO's direct communication and residents' recognition of economic benefits (job creation, business attraction) for their declining region led to unanimous approval from 34 villages.
KEPCO's strategy of bypassing traditional local government and opposition groups to engage directly with residents, coupled with highlighting tangible economic benefits like business attraction and job creation, effectively reframed the substation from a "not-in-my-backyard" (NIMBY) facility into a **catalyst for regional revitalization**. This approach addressed the specific socio-economic challenges of Seongsong-myeon, transforming local resistance into proactive support by aligning the project with the community's urgent need for development and population retention.
What the source says
- The 345kV Sinchang Substation project, stalled for nearly 3 years, found a breakthrough with residents' voluntary decision to host it.
- 345kV Sinchang Substation and Branch Transmission Line Site Selection Committee The 345kV Sinchang Substation and Branch Transmission Line Site Selection Committee confirmed Seongsong-myeon as the final site, valuing the residents' willingness to host.
- The Sinchang Substation is a core facility needed for stable grid connection of renewable energy in the Jeollabuk-do region and for reinforcing the national backbone power grid.
- Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) KEPCO shifted its communication strategy from local governments and opposition committees to direct engagement with residents.
- Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) KEPCO held over 20 business briefings for residents, explaining the substation's functions, necessity, and positive regional effects like attracting businesses, creating jobs, and expanding renewable energy.
- Residents of Seongsong-myeon, facing past development damages and severe population decline, chose voluntary hosting, viewing the substation as a foundation for regional development.
- A hosting committee was formed in July, followed by resident briefings and agreement procedures, leading to unanimous consent from 34 villages in Seongsong-myeon.
- Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) KEPCO stated that Seongsong-myeon's decision is changing local communities' perception of power facilities, with other regions now hoping to host related transmission line projects.
- KEPCO CEO Kim Dong-cheol expressed gratitude to Seongsong-myeon residents, hoping this case becomes a model for power grid construction that fosters mutual regional and national development.
For investors — This case suggests that proactive, direct engagement with local communities and emphasizing tangible economic benefits can significantly accelerate grid infrastructure projects in Korea, potentially reducing development timelines and risks for DER investors reliant on grid connections.
Watch: KEPCO's future adoption of direct resident engagement models for other grid infrastructure projects.
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