SK continues to invest large sums in the development of computer chips

SK hynix is stepping up its commitment to the semiconductor business to meet the current high global demand of computer chips. As the world’s second largest manufacturer of DRAM memory, the company has signed a $4.3 billion purchase agreement with Dutch machine manufacturer ASML Holding. SK hynix will purchase ASML’s EUV scanners for semiconductor production over a five-year period and integrate them into their production. This step for the expansion of the production numbers at SK hynix takes place in a period which is called “Super Cycle” by experts. During a Super Cycle, the demand of computer chips increases rapidly. By purchasing the advanced machines, the chipmaker can ensure mass production of next-generation chips. Payment for the machines is made in installments over a five-year period.

 

An EUV beam has a wavelength 14 times smaller than the currently used ArF laser. EUV and ArF are used to engrave transistors on silicon wafers. So far, only Samsung’s TSMC uses this novel technology. Another financial burden SK hynix is facing is the acquisition of Intel’s flash memory business. The first installment of $7 billion must be paid by the end of this year, with the remaining amount due by 2025. So far, it is not known how much SK hynix’s exact investment in the EUV machines will be.However, industry insiders expect at least a three-digit million sum. SK hynix also announced that it would commission a total of up to three EUV equipment manufacturers.The cost for a single plant is approximately 175 million US dollars. The EUV production facility will be integrated into the recently unveiled M16 business plan, which aims to produce next-generation DRAM memory. Some experts expect 20 percent growth in flash memory and 17 percent in DRAM this year. The high demand for smartphones and the construction or expansion of data centers are the reason for this positive development.

South Korea is considered one of the most important and innovative industrial nations in the world. Many products that are imported to South Korea have to be tested and certified in advance. MPR International GmbH recommends itself as a partner for your Korea certification. We will gladly check for you without obligation whether your products are subject to certification and prepare an attractive offer for you.

If you need assistance or have any questions regarding Korean certifications like KC, KC EMC, KCs or KCs for explosion safety products, feel free to contact us any time.

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South Korea invests heavily in the development of self-driving cars

South Korea will invest $999 million in self-driving car technology development projects and related infrastructure over the next few years. This was announced by a government spokesperson in mid-January 2021. The investment period extends to 2027, with numerous ministries and institutions participating in the investment. Among those named were the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy; the Ministry of Science and Information Technology; the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport; and the National Police Agency. Together, these institutions plan to fund various projects as well as promote the commercialization of self-driving vehicles.

 

 

Domestic automakers and suppliers are also to receive corresponding support from the government if they participate in the projects. According to the Ministry of Transport, the funds will be used mainly for the development of technology and adaptation to global standards in the field of autonomous driving and the interconnection of road infrastructure with the self-driving vehicles. The government plans to have level 4 self-driving cars ready for the market and introduction in 2027. In level 4, a car can drive autonomously under certain circumstances and only needs the intervention of a driver in exceptional situations. In South Korea, Hyundai Mobis Co, the parts supplier of Hyundai Motor Group, has taken the lead in developing technology for use in self-driving cars.

The group plans to integrate Level 3 autonomous driving technology into its vehicles in 2022. Hyundai Mobis, meanwhile, is collaborating with international automakers to develop technology for level 4 and 5 self-driving vehicles. To explain, a level 3 vehicle can independently change lanes and navigate moving traffic when the technology is fully deployed. At Level 5, a vehicle is capable of driving itself under all conditions and without driver intervention. Vehicle components, which include assistance systems for autonomous driving, must undergo certification for the KC mark or KC certificate in Korea. Our experts are always available to answer any questions without obligation.

If you need assistance or have any questions regarding Korean certifications like KC, KC EMC, KCs or KCs for explosion safety products, feel free to contact us any time.

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South Korea unveils plans for the world’s largest offshore wind farm

South Korea announced details in early February 2021 for plans to build the world’s largest offshore wind farm off the coast of Sinan, South Korea. The project is worth $43.2 billion, is scheduled for completion in 2030, and is part of a government initiative to revitalize the economy in a green way after the Covid 19 pandemic. The wind farm is a key component of South Korea’s President Moon’s Green New Deal campaign, launched last year. The campaign aims to reduce Asia’s fourth-largest economy’s dependence on fossil fuels and make it carbon-neutral by 2050.

 

President Moon attended the signing ceremony in the southwestern coastal city of Sinan, where the wind farm will be built. When completed, the offshore wind farm is expected to have a maximum capacity of 8.2 gigawatts. Moon said at the ceremony that this project will accelerate the energy transition to environmentally friendly and carbon-neutral power generation. Utility and engineering companies were also present, including Korea Electric Power Corp, SK E&S, Hanwha Engineering & Construction Corp, Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction Co, CS Wind Corp and Samkang M&T Co.

The companies will contribute the lion’s share of the investment, 98 percent, with the government funding the remaining 2 percent, a spokesman for the President’s House announced. The project will create up to 5,600 jobs and contribute to the country’s goal of expanding its energy from wind power from the current 1.67 gigawatts to 16.5 gigawatts by 2030. The wind farm’s 8.2 gigawatts of power is equivalent to six nuclear power plants and reduces CO2 emissions that the equivalent of 71 million trees would absorb, an official said. Currently, the worlds largest offshore wind farm is Hornsea 1 in England, with a capacity of 1.12 gigawatts. MPR International GmbH – Korea Certification offers certification services for all product areas, especially electronics, KC EMC certification for electronic products, KCs certification for machinery and KCs for explosion-proof products. We are available to answer any questions you may have about Korea certifications. Let us advise you free of charge!

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Exports of electric cars from South Korea increased sharply

According to a recent report, exports of electric cars from South Korea increased by 66 percent year-on-year. As a result, this sector bucked the general negative trend in the automotive industry due to the Covid 19 pandemic. The export volume of electric cars was around $3.9 billion in 2020, overtaking the value of hybrid cars for the first time, which was $2.5 billion. The data was compiled by the Korean International Trade Association. Electric cars accounted for more than half of all green car exports, which totaled US$7.1 billion in value.

 

 

Europe was the largest market for South Korea’s eco-friendly cars, accounting for 68 percent of the total. Worldwide, South Korea also shipped 955 fuel cell vehicles in 2020. This represents 26.3 percent growth over the previous year. The country was the fourth largest exporter of electric cars in the January-September 2020 period, according to the trade association. The value for exports of motor vehicles from South Korea in general reached $37.4 billion in 2020, a loss of 13.1 percent from the previous year and most likely attributable to the Covid 19 pandemic. These data were announced by the Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

The automotive industry in South Korea ranks 7th in the world in both production figures and exports. The largest manufacturers, ranked by global sales, are Hyundai, Kia, GM Korea, Ssangyong and Renault Samsung. Hyundai and Kia are unchallenged in the top two spots with 59,501 and 41,481 vehicles sold in January 2021, respectively. So follows third-placed GM Korea with only 6106 units. For the electric car sector, Hyundai also signed a memorandum of understanding with the South Korean government in February. Together with other companies, LG Energy Solution and KST Mobility, electrically powered cabs are to be tested. Hyundai will supply the vehicles, the Kona Electric, and take care of the maintenance and replacement of the batteries; LG Energy Solution will provide the charging stations and KST Mobility will operate the cabs.

MPR International GmbH will be pleased to advise you regarding Korea certification in the automotive sector. We have already successfully accompanied many large automotive suppliers and vehicle manufacturers with locations in Korea in their certification projects and have been supporting these companies for several years. Our experts are available at any time by phone or e-mail to answer your questions regarding a pending Korea certification.

If you need assistance or have any questions regarding Korean certifications like KC, KC EMC, KCs or KCs for explosion safety products, feel free to contact us any time.

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Samsung C&T unveils next-generation artificial intelligence in its smart home

Samsung’s construction business unit, Samsung C&T, plans to introduce next-generation smart home technology based on artificial intelligence (AI). The company plans to launch this technology next year at the earliest. On Feb. 15, Samsung opened the Raemian Artificial Intelligence (RAI) Life Hall, an upgrade of the previous Raemian Home Lab-Smart Life Hall. The venue showcases AI technology for a more convenient everyday life. The newly opened demonstration building includes services that use future technologies such as AI, robots and drones. Dedicated spaces such as a home office and fitness area have also been set up. Samsung C&T expects these technologies to be ready for the market within 2021, when the trial process is completed.

 

 

The building is essentially divided into public and confidential areas. The public area consists of a smart parking lot and some rooms of an apartment. Samsung C&T has installed a parking guidance system that directs residents to a free parking space near their apartment as well as sends a robot to the parked car, which helps one carry groceries. The cars are recognized by cameras and license plate recognition systems. At the entrance to the apartment is a camera for facial recognition as well as a thermal imaging function. Other surveillance cameras film the growth of plants in the shared smart farm and transmit them directly to each apartment.

In the public area, robots guide visitors to the individual rooms, while in the in-house café, robots prepare drinks and serve guests. In a show apartment, Samsung applies the new AI to existing smart home functions. The artificial intelligence detects and learns the habits of the residents and automatically controls the corresponding functions in the home. Controls by the AI include lighting, temperature and entertainment, which are switched according to patterns for eating, relaxing and sleeping. In light of the Covid 19 pandemic and an increase in time spent at home, Samsung C&T has also integrated a home office/homeschooling area into the home. In addition, a multi-function room for hobbies, fitness and home theater has been added.

To import or sell electronic equipment in South Korea, this is subject to KC certification (also called KC-Mark). The KC-Mark or KC certificate is roughly equivalent to the European CE mark and applies to 730 different products. KC certification, or Korea Certification, is primarily about identifying and containing a potential risk to consumer health and safety. We will be pleased to provide you with non-binding advice regarding Korea Certification and would be delighted to carry it out for you.

If you need assistance or have any questions regarding Korean certifications like KC, KC EMC, KCs or KCs for explosion safety products, feel free to contact us any time.

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Korea’s government expands support for foreign companies

The government announced an expansion of support for foreign companies based or doing business in South Korea in early February. In light of the pandemic, the country is encouraging investment, particularly for digital and “green” industries in line with a major investment project, the “New Deal” initiative. Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee said at a meeting with the Korea Foreign Company Association (FORCA) that despite the challenges posed by Covid-19, foreign investors have increased their involvement in semiconductors and chips, biotechnology, and green vehicles and batteries. The minister pointed out that in 2020, foreign firms accounted for 5.6 percent of the workforce as well as 18.6 percent of imports.

 

 

Overall, foreign direct investment (FDI) in Korea in 2020 declined 11 percent year-on-year due to the coronavirus pandemic and global recession. As the fourth largest economy in Asia, South Korea received $20.7 billion in foreign investment last year, down from $23.3 billion in 2019. Still, this is the sixth consecutive year Korea has secured more than $20 billion in investment. Later this year, the South Korean government will offer more opportunities for business activities by foreign companies in line with the “New Deal” initiative. The “New Deal” initiative, unveiled last year, consists of four pillars: Promoting digital and “green” businesses; strengthening job security and social benefits; and balanced regional development. The government will announce further details for foreign direct investment (FDI) promotion in March.

South Korea is considered one of the most important and innovative industrialized nations in the world. To gain market access to this highly technological country, products imported into South Korea must be tested and certified.

If you need assistance or have any questions regarding Korean certifications like KC, KC EMC, KCs or KCs for explosion safety products, feel free to contact us any time.

Tel.: +49-69-2713769259
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South Korean Car Market Strong During Last Year

Despite falling numbers in global automobile sales, which declined by 14 percent last year, the South Korean market proved to remain strong with a growing number of new registrations.

 

 

Registrations have increased by 6.2 percent to 1,905,972, exceeding the historical landmark of 1.9 million. This makes the South Korean market the only global top 10 market with increases in domestic sales, managing to rise from 12^th to ninth spot regarding market size.

The market share of imported cars has increased from 15.3 percent to 15.9 percent regarding sales volume, and up to 28 percent regarding sales value, with the number of imported cars exceeding 300,000. Standard vehicle selling prise has increased from 32.9 million won to 35.9 million won.

in 2020, the market share of electric and hyrid vehicle sales broke the 10 percent mark for the first time ever, with the hybrid car sales volume exceeding 173,000 and the electric vehicle sales volume reaching 5,841.

Many automotive and other products might fall under one of Korea’s various certification schemes.

If you need assistance or have any questions regarding Korean certifications like KC, KC EMC, KCs or KCs for explosion safety products, feel free to contact us any time.

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SK E&C begins production of environmentally friendly fuel cells

The new production facility, named Bloom SK Fuel Cell Plant, is a joint venture between SK E&C and U.S.-based Bloom Energy, a global manufacturer of fuel cells. The joint venture was established in January last year to produce so-called SOFCs (solid oxide fuel cells) in South Korea. SK E&C owns 49 percent of the company, while Bloom Energy owns the remaining 51 percent. The two companies began trial production of SOFCs in July. They plan to expand production capacity from 50 MW in 2021 to 400 MW in 2027. The first fuel cells will be delivered to a power plant, which is scheduled to begin operations in January 2021. The power plant will then have the world’s most powerful fuel cells.

 

 

At the opening ceremony, SK E&C announced two other major achievements of projects using SOFCs. The first was winning an engineering, procurement and execution project at Equinix, one of the leading data center operators in the United States. It involves the construction of a 6.4 MW SOFC plant at an Equinix data center in San Jose, California. Groundbreaking is scheduled for April 2021, with commissioning eight months after completion of construction. The second advance is the signing of a memorandum of understanding between SK E&C, Bloom Energy and SK Advanced for a pilot project to apply hydrogen as a waste product from the chemical industry and use it to power fuel cells. SK Advanced’s PDH plant in Ulsan, South Korea, where the company produces propylene and other gases, was selected as the site. To that end, the companies are building an SOFC pilot plant that is scheduled to begin operations in April 2021 and will study commercial applications of the process over the course of a year.

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are the world’s most effective power generation for distributed applications. The fuel cell uses liquefied natural gas and generates electricity during a reaction of hydrogen and oxygen. The process far outperforms conventional fuel cells and generates environmentally friendly electricity without fine dust emissions and on a very small footprint. Numerous SOFCs are already in operation in the U.S., including at Walmart and Home Depot stores and the Morgan Stanley and Softbank buildings in New York.

If you need assistance or have any questions regarding Korean certifications like KC, KC EMC, KCs or KCs for explosion safety products, feel free to contact us any time.

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South Korean steel producer POSCO launches first environmentally friendly free-cutting steel

South Korean steelmaker POSCO announced through a press release in August 2020 that the company successfully started mass production of lead-free free cutting steel in June and is now looking for customers in the automotive and IT industries. The new material is called POSCO Graphitic Steel for Machinability (PosGRAM) and is the world’s first graphite-based free cutting steel. Free-cutting steel is often offered as rod-like material and enables fast machining in appropriate machines and cleaner surfaces than conventional steel. It is typically used for metal parts of vehicles and IT products that have complex geometries or have particularly high accuracy requirements.

 

 

Current steels of this type often contain lead, which is cheaper than other additives but poses health and environmental problems. During alloying in the steel mill, toxic lead vapors are released from the molten metal and special equipment must be used to extract and capture the vapors. As a result, lead-alloyed free-cutting steels are no longer produced in large quantities. Due to increasing environmental concerns, global standards have been adopted, including by the EU, which reduce the amount of lead in steels to 0.1 percent. However, since no adequate substitutes for lead have yet been found for free-cutting steel, up to 0.35 percent lead is permitted here.

POSCO reiterated the significance of mass production of PosGRAM, which replaces lead with graphite without sacrificing processing speed. PosGRAM has clean and even surfaces in any cutting direction and can be used in electromechanical components because it is easy to magnetize. POSCO has been researching the development of graphite free cutting steel since 2017 and began mass production in 2020. The company has been selling the steel to some customers since June. Annual global demand for free-cutting steel is an estimated 1 million tons, half of which is lead-based products. Previously, there was no company in South Korea producing lead-free free-cutting steel, so they imported an average of 23,000 tons annually from abroad, including Japan. With the new PosGRAM steel, POSCO expects to replace imported steels as far as possible and contribute to the competitiveness of the domestic industry. Steel products in South Korea require certification with the KC mark or KC certificate, which is roughly equivalent to the European CE mark and currently applies to 730 different products. MPR International GmbH – Korea Certification is available to answer your questions regarding Korea certification at any time and without obligation.

If you need assistance or have any questions regarding Korean certifications like KC, KC EMC, KCs or KCs for explosion safety products, feel free to contact us any time.

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LG Chem produces new type of battery for Tesla’s electric cars

The share price of South Korea’s LG Chem rose 3.57 percent on Oct. 22, 2020, the day Tesla announced higher profits than the market expected. Industry experts suspect a high impact of the Tesla announcement on LG Chem’s share price. Industry insiders citing the reason as LG Chem’s development of a new battery for electric vehicles, which Tesla unveiled at the so-called “Battery Day” in September 2020 without mentioning the name of the manufacturer or supplier. Meanwhile, LG Chem is preparing for a surge in Tesla’s orders, tripling its cylindrical battery cell production capacity from the current 20 GWh to 60 GWh by 2023.

 

 

The speculation that LG Chem will develop a new battery type and become one of Tesla’s main suppliers is based on two reports. On October 21, 2020, Jang Seung-se, vice chairman of LG Chem, reported that his company is working on the development of cylindrical battery cells, which have a fivefold higher energy density and six times more capacity. These specifications exactly match Tesla’s Type 4680 battery, which Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiled in September. Initially, Tesla wanted to produce the new Type 4680 battery cells itself. Afterwards, however, it turned out that this would exceed Tesla’s current production capacities and that it would also not be possible to build a new production facility within a year.

Tesla estimates that the required quantity of Type 4680 batteries in 2020 will have a capacity of 100 GWh. These could then be installed in around 1.3 million electric cars annually. LG Chem, the world’s largest battery manufacturer, currently has a total annual production capacity of 100 GWh but was able to increase this to 120 GWh by the end of 2020, according to the company. Nearly all of the cylindrical battery cells for electric vehicles that LG Chem produces are installed in Tesla models. In order to supply other manufacturers besides Tesla or to avoid shortages, LG Chem plans to expand its total annual production capacity to 260 GWh by 2023. Electric car components, which include batteries, must undergo certification for the KC mark or KC certificate in Korea. Our experts are always available to answer any questions without obligation.

If you need assistance or have any questions regarding Korean certifications like KC, KC EMC, KCs or KCs for explosion safety products, feel free to contact us any time.

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