Building 5 new dams: Can South Korea handle climate change and mega-projects?

South Korea's Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment has announced plans to construct five new dams, a move aimed at bolstering the nation's water management capabilities in the face of escalating climate change impacts.

The approved dam projects include Jicheon Dam in Chungnam Cheongyang and Buyeo, Amicheon Dam in Gyeonggi Yeoncheon, Byeongyeongcheon Dam in Jeonnam Gwangju and Gangjin, Hoeyagang Dam in Ulsan Ulju, and Gohyeoncheon Dam in Gyeongnam Geoje. This decision follows a review of 14 dam projects initiated by the previous administration, of which seven were scrapped and seven were re-evaluated. After a year of assessment, five projects will proceed to construction, while two have been definitively canceled.

The announcement highlights the increasing frequency of extreme weather events on the Korean Peninsula. The ministry argues that existing reservoirs, designed for less severe drought conditions, are insufficient to cope with recurring record droughts and torrential downpours. For instance, Geoje experienced unprecedented rainfall equivalent to a 200-year event this month, while Cheongyang was hit by a "monster downpour" three years ago, considered a 500-year event. The government believes significantly increasing water storage capacity through new dams is essential for responding to such climate-related disasters.

Furthermore, the new dams are intended to secure water resources for the government's "mega projects." The Jicheon Dam, for example, is planned to supply 180,000 tons of water daily for the Geum River tributary, supporting the 246 trillion won (approximately $180 billion USD) investment in large-scale facilities in Cheonan, Asan, and Cheongju. However, the ministry has yet to present concrete water supply plans for the Yongin semiconductor complex, which requires 1.5 million tons daily, and the Honam semiconductor cluster, needing 650,000 tons daily. Concerns have been raised about the ministry's decision last year to halt the Imcheoncheon Dam for Yongin and the Dongbokcheon Dam for the Honam cluster, potentially limiting future water supply options.

Minister of Climate Kim Seong-hwan stated that additional dam construction would be pursued "if necessary," leaving the door open for further projects. Given that dam construction typically takes around a decade, the government is urged to accelerate the development of the five confirmed dams while simultaneously formulating a mid- to long-term water management plan that looks at least a generation ahead. Proactive consideration of further dam construction will be crucial.

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If necessary, it is something that must be done.