Suwon Promotes Improvement Project for Current Waste-to-Energy Facility During Relocation Process

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Jung Jun-sung] As Suwon Special City pursues the relocation of its waste-to-energy facility, it has decided to improve the aging current facility to ensure its stable operation during the relocation period.

Suwon's waste-to-energy facility began operations in April 2000 and has been handling the incineration of more than 400 tons of daily municipal waste generated in Suwon City. The facility is currently in its 25th year of operation.

The city conducted a technical diagnosis in 2018 to prepare for safety accidents and unexpected breakdowns due to facility deterioration, which concluded that "facility improvement is efficient." The city is now implementing a waste-to-energy facility improvement project.

In particular, the city signed a consignment agreement with the Korea Environment Corporation and announced the "Suwon Waste-to-Energy Facility Improvement Project Bidding Notice" on May 7, but it failed to attract bids. A re-bidding announcement is planned. Design and construction will commence upon contractor selection.

The waste-to-energy facility improvement project requires an investment of 144.1 billion won. The project includes replacing the aging 600-ton incineration facility with a downsized 560-ton facility and improving resident convenience facilities. The project aims for completion by December 2027.

To gather and communicate with local residents regarding the waste-to-energy facility improvement project, the city held a forum last August and conducted two preparatory meetings. In January, the city established a public-private cooperation council for the waste-to-energy facility, comprised of regional city council members, heads of resident associations in neighboring districts, apartment complex representatives, interested organizations, and civil servants.

The city is separately pursuing a waste-to-energy facility relocation project. The relocation project was formally launched with a preliminary survey kickoff meeting held in April. The project aims for relocation completion by June 2032.

A city official stated, "The improvement of the aging waste-to-energy facility is necessary to stably handle municipal waste during the relocation period," and added, "Through the activities of the public-private cooperation council, we will continue to communicate with local residents and address their questions regarding matters related to the waste-to-energy facility." The official further stated, "We will also pursue the waste-to-energy facility relocation project smoothly according to plan."