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5 clusters · 12 sources · 48 days · First seen · Last updated

South Korean industrial and energy expansion via AI and ESS

Overview

South Korean industrial and energy companies are experiencing significant growth driven by the global expansion of AI data center infrastructure and the modernization of power grids.

In the battery sector, manufacturers such as LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI, and SK Innovation are seeing positive momentum. LG Energy Solution reported third-quarter revenue of 9.64 trillion won and an operating profit of 756 billion won, identifying ESS expansion as a primary driver. Samsung SDI is leveraging prismatic battery technology and LFP production to target the North American ESS market, recently deciding to extend a loan of approximately 1.065 billion USD to StarPlus Energy, a joint venture with Stellantis in the United States, to support local production.

Demand for Energy Storage Systems (ESS) is further bolstered by strategic projects, such as a 6.3GW gas-fired power plant in Texas designed to supply electricity to AI data centers. Domestically, South Korea is launching its third round of ESS central contract market bidding, a scale of approximately 2 trillion won that emphasizes local supply chain utilization. Technological advancements are also emerging, including a new ‘transfer printing’ manufacturing method for all-solid-state batteries developed by the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), and Innomatry’s expansion into ESS inspection equipment for the US market.

This demand extends to power infrastructure. Taihan Cable & Solution has secured major turnkey projects in the US and the United Kingdom. Additionally, exports of large-scale transformers to the US rose 65% year-on-year in the third quarter, with manufacturers like HD Hyundai Electric, Hyosung Heavy Industries, and LS ELECTRIC expanding local production capacities in states such as Tennessee, Alabama, and Utah.

Complementing these developments, Samsung Electro-Mechanics is projected to see strong third-quarter results, driven by high-value components like Multi-Layer Ceramic Capacitors (MLCC) and Flip Chip Ball Grid Array (FC-BGA) substrates.

Entities

Samsung SDI · LG Energy Solution · Samsung Electro-Mechanics · Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology · National Grid

Timeline

  1. [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    South Korean researchers and firms advance battery inspection and solid-state manufacturing

    South Korean firms and researchers are advancing battery tech through new X-ray inspection tools for HBM and EVs, and a novel transfer printing method for ultra-thin solid-state electrolytes.

  2. [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    South Korean power firms expand global grid infrastructure footprint

    South Korean power equipment firms are seeing surging exports and major contract wins in the US and UK, fueled by global demand for grid upgrades and AI data center infrastructure.

  3. [BUSINESS] 6 sources
    South Korean tech and battery firms see growth from AI and ESS demand

    South Korean tech firms Samsung SDI and Samsung Electro-Mechanics are seeing growth driven by AI data center demand for ESS batteries and high-value electronic components like MLCCs.

  4. [BUSINESS] 3 sources
    South Korean battery makers target ESS growth in US and domestic markets

    South Korean battery makers are targeting growth in the ESS market through U.S. gas-power integration projects and large-scale domestic government contracts focused on local supply chain contribution.

  5. [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    South Korean companies announce major construction and investment deals

    South Korean firms announced major developments, including large-scale construction contracts in Seoul and Ulsan, and Samsung SDI’s funding extension for its U.S. battery joint venture.

Sources

biz.heraldcorp.com · blockchainseoul.kr · datafocus.co.kr · energy-news.co.kr · hani.co.kr · ilyo.co.kr · m.sportalkorea.com · newstomato.com · sateconomy.co.kr · seoul.co.kr · socialvalue.kr · tokenpost.kr

This summary has been updated 3 times: see revision history