KETEP Holds Energy Technology Excellence & Information Exchange Forum

Outstanding Cases from HODI, JoongAng Steel, Standard Test Research Institute, and Others Evaluated

Lee Yong-hoon, CEO of HODI, and five other project leaders were recognized for their research achievements and successful commercialization cases.

The Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning (KETEP) held the Energy Technology Excellence & Information Exchange Forum on November 28 at COEX in Samseong-dong, Seoul, to discover and award outstanding achievements in energy technology R&D.

This forum, a side event of the 2024 Korea Industrial Technology R&D Expo, was organized to share outstanding achievements from energy technology development projects and to encourage research and development activities.

During the event, five project leaders who achieved innovation and excellence in energy technology were awarded commendations by the Minister of Trade, Industry, and Energy.

The honorees included ▲CEO Lee Yong-hoon of Hodi, ▲Vice President Cheon Ji-hyeon of Joongang Steel, ▲Executive Director Lee Yong-hoon of GTC, ▲Director Kim In-gwan of World ENC, and ▲CEO Park Jun-hyeon of Standard Testing Research Institute. The awardees shared their experiences with the attendees by presenting their research achievements and successful commercialization cases based on these achievements.

This year, the event focused on inviting companies that had successfully commercialized their technologies to share real-world applications and promote the widespread adoption of outstanding R&D outcomes. The selected projects were evaluated based on their successful demonstration and commercialization within five years of project completion.

JoongAng Steel, a manufacturer of metal construction materials, was struggling with price competition against China but discovered new opportunities in the solar energy industry.

The company successfully entered the market by developing a product called “Solar Metal Tiles.” Through KETEP’s R&D project, JoongAng Steel received expert advice, improved its designs, and secured patents, applying the product to domestic and international construction projects such as modular houses and the Songdo Golf Club, thereby expanding its achievements.

The Standard Test Research Institute, while working on the development of a “Clean Argon Gas Fire Protection System for Nuclear Power Plants” project, faced a crisis due to the contraction of the nuclear power industry. However, it identified the rapidly growing energy storage system (ESS) market as a new opportunity and pivoted by applying its technology to ESS, successfully transitioning its business.

Park Joon-hyun, CEO of Standard Test Research Institute, remarked, “Whether it’s catching a pheasant or a wild boar, the ultimate goal is successful commercialization.” He introduced how the company developed technologies for ESS, UPS for data centers, and electric ships, which are now being supplied to the market.

Meanwhile, KETEP selects and supports outstanding projects annually, taking the lead in strengthening national energy competitiveness through energy technology development initiatives.

Kang Do-kyu, Senior Researcher at KETEP, who hosted the event, stated, “We can learn not only from success stories but also from failures. I hope this event provided meaningful insights for R&D participants.”