Jeju Island LNG Power Plant Project Under Fire for Environmental Review and Economic Feasibility Concerns

Environmental groups on Jeju Island have filed a public interest audit request over a new liquefied natural gas (LNG) power plant, alleging that the environmental review process and economic feasibility calculations were carried out improperly. The project, operated by Korea East-West Power (KEWP), is scheduled to be completed in Dongbok-ri, Gujwa-eup.

The groups claim that the scope of the environmental assessment was narrowed to just a 500-meter radius around the project site, excluding nearby wetland protection areas and failing to conduct required outside consultations. The climate change impact assessment was also restricted to the plant site itself, despite the fact that greenhouse gas emissions affect the whole island.

A preliminary feasibility study found that the project scored below the threshold for economic viability, with a benefit-cost ratio of 0.83 and profitability index of 0.98. The project budget rose by 32.9% to approximately 648.8 billion won, but no new feasibility review was conducted.

KEWP maintains that there were no procedural problems, while the Jeju provincial government defends the legitimacy of the process.