[2020 National Audit] SANGI-PYEONG and EGI-PYEONG Presidents Show 'Temperature Difference' on Integration

EGP "Operational Independence Must Be Guaranteed"
SKIEP "Industry and Energy Convergence Needed"

The National Assembly's Industry, Trade, Energy, Small and Medium Enterprises and Startups Committee (Sanjungwi) is conducting a government audit on KOTRA, the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology, and the Korea Energy Technology Evaluation Institute on the morning of the 13th at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, chaired by Lee Hak-young, chairman of Sanjungwi. (Image source=Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] "Since everything needs to be converged to create a synergy effect, I believe that at least in the planning stage, the function of integrating energy and industry to draw the big picture should be strengthened." (Jung Yangho, President of Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology)

"There are as many as 18 institutions under the National Science and Technology Advisory Council. In many cases, planning is coordinated at the budget policy stage by the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the National Assembly. I believe that the original position of the ministerial meeting, which guarantees independent operation of energy, should be maintained." (Lim Chuntaek, President of Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning)

The Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT) and the Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning (KETEP) showed subtle differences in tone regarding integration during the National Assembly audit. The 'Partial Amendment to the Energy Act,' which includes provisions on the integration of the two institutions, was announced for legislation by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy in July last year, remained pending in the 20th National Assembly for about a year, and was discarded last May.

On the 13th, the presidents of the two institutions stated this during the National Assembly Industry, Trade, Energy, Small and Medium Venture Business Committee audit.

Hwang Unha, a member of the Democratic Party, asked President Lim about the government's principle of preventing overlapping support through the 'one ministry-one specialized institution' system.

President Lim replied, "KETEP is an institution under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and shares the government's position," adding, "The government has clarified its position to guarantee the independent operation of KETEP."

When Representative Hwang asked again, "Do you mean to make KETEP an affiliated institution of KIAT but guarantee its independent operation?" President Lim answered, "Yes. The ministerial meeting has stipulated to guarantee the independent operation of KETEP."

Representative Hwang asked President Jung, "Do you share the same view?"

President Jung said, "I think it is appropriate to operate the integration from the perspective of planning, managing, and evaluating research and development (R&D) in the future," adding, "At least in the planning stage, strengthening the function of drawing the big picture of energy and industry convergence and guaranteeing the operational independence of KETEP is the government's correct approach."

President Jung explained, "For example, in the 'hydrogen economy' that we need to build in the future, when capturing hydrogen, the storage tanks should be made by us (the industrial sector). If such parts are comprehensively operated, I understand that the government made the (integration) decision from the perspective of efficiently preparing for the country's next 5 to 10 years."

Representative Hwang called President Lim again and asked if he agreed with President Jung's opinion.

President Lim said, "There is a difference of opinion. There are 18 institutions under the Science and Technology Advisory Council, and planning coordination is often done by the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the National Assembly," adding, "I believe that the original position of the ministerial meeting, which guarantees independent operation in the energy sector, should be maintained."