# South Korean industrial and energy expansion via AI and ESS

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/south-korean-corporate-investment-and-industrial-expansion
> Updated: 2026-10-25T23:52:40.000Z. Sources: 22. Developments: 6.

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 recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Israel-based Energix to supply 2GWh of ESS capacity across Europe and North America within 24 months, with potential expansion to 4.5GWh. This follows previous reports of strong revenue driven by ESS expansion.

Samsung SDI is leveraging prismatic battery technology and LFP production to target the North American ESS market. The company secured a contract with US-based Alpha Omega Power to supply 1GWh of ESS solutions, featuring high-density SBB 1.7 technology, for large-scale projects in Texas. This builds on Samsung SDI’s decision to extend a loan of approximately 1.065 billion USD to its US joint venture, StarPlus Energy.

Technological and infrastructure advancements continue to evolve. The Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT) has developed a ‘transfer printing’ method for all-solid-state batteries, creating an ultra-thin 15-micrometer solid electrolyte layer that maintains 83.6% capacity after 100 cycles. Additionally, Innomatry is expanding its footprint, securing orders for ESS inspection equipment for the US market while diversifying into semiconductor inspection.

Demand for power infrastructure remains high, with Taihan Cable & Solution securing turnkey projects in the US and UK, and manufacturers like HD Hyundai Electric and LS ELECTRIC expanding local production in the US to meet rising transformer and cable needs.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-25: 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.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-korean-researchers-and-firms-advance-battery-inspection-and-solid-state-manufacturing

### 2026-10-25: South Korean battery makers expand global ESS market presence

LG Energy Solution and Samsung SDI are securing major ESS supply deals in Europe and North America to meet rising global demand from renewable energy and AI data centers.

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/samsung-sdi-secures-15gwh-ess-supply-contract-with-alpha-omega-power

### 2026-10-15: 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.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-korean-power-firms-expand-global-grid-infrastructure-footprint

### 2026-10-06: 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.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-korean-tech-and-battery-firms-see-growth-from-ai-and-ess-demand

### 2026-09-27: 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.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-korean-battery-makers-target-ess-growth-in-us-and-domestic-markets

### 2026-09-08: 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.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-korean-companies-announce-major-construction-and-investment-deals

---
Cite as: South Korean industrial and energy expansion via AI and ESS. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/south-korean-corporate-investment-and-industrial-expansion