Lawsuit claims world’s largest semiconductor hub contradicts climate policies and corporate sustainability commitments 

March 5, 2025 (SEOUL) – Environmental activists and residents have sued the South Korean government over its approval of the Yongin Semiconductor National Industrial Complex, arguing it violates climate regulations and the “climate change impact assessment” has a critical defect. The project, closely tied to Samsung's semiconductor business, has now become entangled in this legal dispute. Samsung Electronics has pledged to invest $247 billion (360 trillion KRW) in the project, which is set to become one of the world’s largest semiconductor manufacturing hubs by 2053. 

The lawsuit, filed against the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT), aims to revoke the industrial complex’s approval. Critics warn that the project’s additional 10GW electricity demand, partially met by 3GW of new liquefied natural gas (LNG) power plants, would significantly increase South Korea’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. 

Underestimated GHG Emissions and Lack of Reduction Plans 

The lawsuit exposes gaps in emissions accounting—the climate change impact assessment, equivalent to the GHG section of an environmental assessment in other countries, estimated direct emissions at 11.43 million tCO2e in 2032 and 25.94 million tCO2e in 2050. However, these figures failed to include emissions from the additional 7GW of electricity supply required for the complex. Using national GHG emission factors, 75% of the project's 2050 emissions from electricity usage remain unaccounted for. 

Additionally, the project relies on a 50% hydrogen co-firing rate for the 3GW power plant, requiring 300,000 tons of hydrogen annually. With domestic production fossil fuel-based and clean hydrogen imported, the plan faces high costs, supply instability, and infrastructure challenges. While green hydrogen only results in a 22% emissions reduction, using a 50% co-firing of blue hydrogen offers no emissions reduction at all. Recognizing similar issues, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) excluded hydrogen co-firing as one of Best System of Emissions Reduction (BSER) due to cost and supply concerns. 

Contradictions with National and Global Climate Goals 

The project contradicts South Korea’s Carbon Neutrality Act and key climate policies. While the government has committed to phasing out fossil fuels and expanding renewables, this project would generate vast carbon emissions up to 2.6% of South Korea’s entire 2030 emissions. 

Furthermore, despite Samsung’s claims of aligning with the RE100 initiative, the project’s reliance on fossil fuels means it would fail to meet sustainability commitments of global semiconductor buyers. Many buyers prioritize 100% renewable energy in their supply chains, and failure to comply would jeopardize a substantial portion of Samsung’s semiconductor business. 

Janghyeok Lim, Policy Analyst at Solutions for Our Climate (SFOC) said “Samsung’s RE100 target for 2050 means the planned gas power supply for the industrial complex would be redundant by its completion. The government’s plan also fails to consider pressure from Samsung’s clients such as Apple, Microsoft, and Google, who have Scope 3 emissions targets. To meet these goals, they may favor lower-emission suppliers, putting Samsung at a disadvantage.” 

A Call for Accountability and Climate-Conscious Development 

Plaintiffs argue that the government’s failure to consider environmental and economic risks violates the public’s right to a clean and sustainable future. A press conference featuring plaintiffs, the Gyeonggi Korea Federation for Environmental Movements (KFEM), and SFOC highlighted the lawsuit’s implications. 

Image 1: Plaintiffs and activists urging South Korea and Samsung to stop fossil fuel expansion in a press conference.

Hyunjung Kim, Secretary General of Geonggi KFEM said "Temperatures in Gyeonggi Province have been rising by about 0.8°C every decade due to dense populations and industries, driving up greenhouse gas emissions. Despite this, the government approved a massive industrial complex in Yongin without properly assessing its climate impact. This project lacks any real measures to protect our environment, and we are calling for its cancellation in the face of the climate crisis."

Chunsik Kim, a resident of Yongin and plaintiff of this lawsuit said "The real question is what kind of future we are leaving behind for the next generation as we confront the climate crisis. At a time when we should be moving toward 100% renewable energy, there wasn’t even a serious policy discussion, let alone a commitment. The decision to build an LNG power plant makes it clear that policymakers never even considered alternatives."

ENDS.   

Solutions for Our Climate (SFOC) is an independent nonprofit organization that works to accelerate global greenhouse gas emissions reduction and energy transition. SFOC leverages research, litigation, community organizing, and strategic communications to deliver practical climate solutions and build movements for change.    

For media inquiries, please reach out to Yi Hyun Kim, Communications Officer, at yihyun.kim@forourclimate.org.