<Anchor> The

Ministry of Science and ICT and Chungcheongbuk-do Province and Cheongju-si signed a business agreement for the construction of next-generation radiation accelerators. We decided to invest 700 billion won, including the private sector, into 24 projects to quickly build and maximize the use of accelerators.

This is reporter Koo Jun-ho.

<Reporter> The

Ministry of Science and ICT and Chungcheongbuk-do and Cheongju-si signed a business agreement and pledged to successfully build a radiation accelerator.

The MOU contained measures for cooperation such as the development of accelerator sites, infrastructure, and establishment of settlement facilities for workers.

The Ministry of Science and Technology promised a smooth business plan and budget support with the goal of completion in 2027.

[Choi Ki-young / Minister of Science and ICT: I look forward to becoming a cornerstone for future high-tech industrial support and strengthening national science and technology competitiveness.]

Self-support measures proposed by Chungcheongbuk-do Province were also outlined.

The province explained to the Minister four strategies: maximizing the use of the radiation accelerator, sharing and spreading research results, nurturing manpower, and creating a global science town.

Specifically, the Accelerator Utilization Support Center, the International Convention Center, and the Science Academy Village were noticeable.

There are 24 projects in total, including accelerator operation cost support and KTX connection dedicated roads.

The budget is over 700 billion won, including private expenses, government expenses, and private sector.

The province will support a separate organization.

[Lee Si-jong / Governor of North Chungcheong Province: Chungcheongbuk-do Province needs to prepare special measures to secure specialized personnel involved in supporting the operation of the radiation light accelerator.] The

Ministry of Science and ICT completed the preliminary feasibility study on the radiation light accelerator within this year and passed the final design in 2022. We are planning to start construction in January.