A solar energy industry cluster will be created in the northern part of South Chungcheong Province including Cheonan, Asan, and Seosan.
In the island of Jukdo off the shores of Hongseong County, a pilot program will be commenced to make the island wholly solar.
Hanwha Group and South Chungcheong provincial government held on May 22 a groundbreaking ceremony for the South Chungcheong Creative Economy Innovation Center at Cheonan Technopark, with President Park Geun-hye in attendance. The innovation center is 11th across the country.
The main focus of the South Chungcheong Center is on spreading the know-how of Hanwha in solar technology to small enterprises in the region. Hanwha, the world's No. 1 company in solar energy, will administer consulting and installation support services to those wishing to open their own solar business. In addition, the company will provide a 16,500-square-meter site in Seosan Techno Valley for start-ups to set up shop. The 152.5-billion-won fund will be formed to give support to the initiative.
In order to help small start-up firms move overseas, Hanwha will also begin a global expansion program to link technically promising firms with foreign clients. In addition, the company will kick-start an experimental program in Jukdo to help the island go energy independent.
In the congratulatory speech, President Park said, "In a time when we witness a great shift toward a clean energy era from the 20 century fossil fuel era, we are facing unimaginable opportunities as well as challenges. We hope that Korea could lead the world's renewable energy market in coming years."
