반도체 팹은 광주로.. 해남 솔라시도 전략은? -R(260708수/뉴스데스크)

Haenam Solasido is pursuing a plan to foster data centers as a new growth axis. Attention is focusing on a future industrial strategy that links AI infrastructure with renewable energy, rather than semiconductors. Reporter Yoon So-young reports. ◀ Report ▶ Haenam Solasido, which had been a leading candidate for a semiconductor fab site due to its top-tier renewable energy resources and vast industrial land, was the preferred choice. However, the Gwangju Military Airport site, cited for its strong residential conditions and transportation accessibility, was ultimately selected as the final site. Haenam Solasido has been forced to revise its development plans for a site of nearly 1 million pyeong, which were originally conceived with a semiconductor cluster in mind. The construction of a Samsung data center at Solasido has been confirmed, coinciding with the National AI Computing Center scheduled for completion in 2028. Haenam County is considering a plan to use the data center as a base to attract companies in downstream industries—such as cooling, thermal management, and power facilities—necessary for the center's operation, to the existing semiconductor fab site. In addition, the county plans to accelerate the project by establishing a licensing support system for the additional data center scheduled for groundbreaking. ◀ INT ▶ Oh Bong-ho / Head of Energy Industry Division, Haenam County "We completed the building permit (for the National AI Computing Center) in almost two weeks. We will do our utmost to provide administrative support regarding the construction of the remaining additional computer centers." Another important task is how to connect electricity and water, which are Solasido's greatest competitive advantages and essential conditions for high-tech industries, to serve as a driving force for regional growth. ◀ st-up ▶ "Above all, the most important thing is to establish a virtuous cycle of energy where local companies use electricity generated locally." The "Special Act on the Creation and Support of Self-Sufficient Renewable Energy Cities," also known as the "RE100 National Industrial Complex Support Act," is currently pending in the National Assembly. If the bill passes, it will not only enable the supply of locally produced renewable energy to local companies, but also support the relocation of businesses to provincial areas through various incentives, such as tax benefits and improvements in living conditions. ◀ INT ▶ Hwang Jun-ho / CEO of Seonamhaean Enterprise City Development "If (the bill) passes, based on the renewable energy supply resources of this region, we will be able to secure over 2 million pyeong of land for RE100 industrial complexes needed by RE100 companies, in collaboration with Yeongam-gun and Haenam-gun." Establishing an institutional foundation to support renewable energy competitiveness and concretizing a new growth strategy centered on data centers remains the task for Solarsido. This is Yoon So-young from MBC News. ◀ END ▶