The country’s first compound for testing and producing parts and technologies for renewable energy sources was completed on Thursday.

Work on the complex in Buan County, North Jeolla Province, began in 2004, and cost 100 billion won ($88 million), the Ministry of Knowledge Economy said.

The compound is divided into a research and testing complex, industrial complex and a complex for experiencing and learning about related technologies.

According to the ministry, three state-run research organizations and a research arm of the Chonbuk National University will take residence in the research complex to test solar and wind power, and hydrogen fuel cell technologies.

The ministry added that 12 companies have shown interest in setting up operations in the compound while five others have finalized plans to do so.

The complex for experiencing renewable energy technologies will be open to the public and will contain a number of features of a 4-D theater.

By Choi He-suk (cheesuk@heraldcorp.com)