South Korean Posco Group invests in the safety of its plants

During a visit to a pier for unloading ships inside the steel plant in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, Posco CEO Choi Jeong-woo made his own assessment of the safety measures and inspected the facilities together with employees. Unfortunately, an industrial accident occurred there a week earlier, in which a 35-year-old worker was fatally injured. As head of the company in charge of safety, Choi said they would generously compensate the family and fully cooperate with authorities to determine the cause of the accident. Already in the past three years, the group has invested the sum of $904 million in occupational safety measures. “However, there is still much to be improved,” Choi is quoted as saying.

 

For example, Choi now requires that both subcontractors and Posco employees attend briefings held before maintenance work. In the meetings, called “toolbox” meetings, information about the respective risks of the work process are to be exchanged and discussed. For the safety of its own employees, Posco distributed 1,300 smartwatches to employees in hazardous workplaces last year to monitor their health. This year, another 1,400 smartwatches will be handed out. In addition, about $904 million will be invested in facility safety over the next three years. The funds will go toward replacing and upgrading old pipelines, conveyor belts and similar equipment.

These potentially hazardous machines and equipment require KCs certification in Korea, where the “s” stands for Safety. The mark is issued by the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA). Within this certification there are two groups, which differ in the facilities concerned as well as the procedure for certification: the Certification of Compliance (CoC) and the Declaration of Conformity (DoC). MPR International GmbH is at your disposal for any questions about Korea certifications.

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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Posco Chemical builds 4th production facility for cathode base materials

Posco Chemical Co, a subsidiary of South Korean steel giant Posco, mainly produces refractory materials and secondary base materials for batteries. To capitalize on the growing demand for electric car batteries, the company is investing around $249 million in a fourth cathode basic materials production facility. The investment will expand the existing cathode materials factory in Gwangyang, South Jeolla Province, Posco announced at the groundbreaking ceremony in late February. Production is scheduled to start in 2023.

 

A fourth plant will increase the group’s annual production capacity to 100,000 tons. The expansion will mainly involve the construction of production lines for nickel-containing NCMA cathodes. NCMA cathodes are combined with NCM cathodes and increase the stability of the batteries and their capacity while keeping production costs low. Such a vehicle battery can achieve a range of up to 500 kilometers on a single charge.

Already last year, Posco Chemical started to expand its production for vehicle batteries. The capacity of the plant in Gwangyang was increased to 25,000 metric tons, starting there with 5,000 tons annually. The next increase of another 30,000 tons is already under construction and will start operations in November. The future annual output of 100,000 tons of cathode raw material in 2023 is sufficient for 1.1 million electric cars, each equipped with a 60 kWh battery. Electric car components, which include batteries, must undergo certification for the KC mark or KC certificate in Korea. Our experts are available to answer their questions at any time 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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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.

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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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