[Editorial] 20 out of 54 transmission projects delayed... Building power plants is futile like this

South Korea faces significant challenges in its power grid expansion, with 20 out of 54 national projects delayed, hindering the nation's energy infrastructure development. These delays are largely attributed to opposition from local residents and difficulties in obtaining permits from local governments.

Despite the enactment of the "Special Act on National Core Power Grid Expansion" last year, the persistent "NIMBY" (Not In My Backyard) syndrome continues to impede progress. For instance, the Shinpyeongchang substation project in Pyeongchang County has been postponed by 12 years, from 2016 to 2028, due to local opposition. Similarly, a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line project from the East Coast to Seoul, initially planned for completion seven years ago, is indefinitely delayed because Hanam City has not granted permission for the expansion of the East Seoul conversion station.

The consequences of these grid infrastructure shortcomings are far-reaching. Power generation facilities, built at considerable expense, risk becoming underutilized or even useless if the transmission network cannot support them. This situation could lead to a bizarre scenario where nuclear and solar power plants are forced to operate at reduced capacity. Furthermore, major industrial investments, such as the Yongin semiconductor cluster planned by Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix with over 600 trillion won, cannot proceed without the completion of transmission infrastructure. This could cause South Korea's semiconductor industry, which is in a fierce race with global competitors like the U.S., China, and Japan, to miss crucial business opportunities due to localized obstruction.

In an era of technological revolutions driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, stable power supply is a critical factor for national competitiveness. While the U.S. federal government directly oversees power grid expansion and China is building a nationwide ultra-high voltage (UHV) transmission network, South Korea struggles with localized resistance. The government needs to find compromise solutions through negotiation with stakeholders and, if necessary, consider enforcement measures within the legal framework. The construction of core infrastructure vital for national survival must not fall victim to NIMBYism.