[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Yoon-joo] SK Innovation has stepped up to support the local community in Kom?rom, Hungary, the forward base of the European battery market.
On the 18th (local time), SK Innovation announced on the 22nd that about 30 employees of SK Battery Hungary (SKBH), its local electric vehicle battery production subsidiary, participated in volunteer activities.
On that day, Han Sang-gyu, CEO of SKBH, along with about 30 local members, planted acacia saplings, applied fertilizer, watered plants, and removed weeds in the industrial complex near the business site. Attila Moln?r, Mayor of Kom?rom, and Czunyin? Bertalan Judit, Kom?rom city council member, who sympathized with the purpose of the event, also joined, adding significance to the occasion.
SK Innovation selected Hungary as a strategic base to target the European electric vehicle battery market, starting operation of its first plant with an annual production capacity of 7.5GWh in October 2019, and is currently constructing a second plant with a capacity of 9.8GWh. Earlier this year, it decided to additionally build third and fourth plants with a combined capacity of 31GWh.
Before expanding its global business, SK Innovation places particular emphasis on communication with the local community and its role as a corporate citizen, believing that communication and cooperation with the community are keys to business success. In 2019, SK Innovation decided to support three public foundations in Kom?rom and provided 15 million forints (approximately 60 million KRW) over two years. Furthermore, last year, amid the global spread of COVID-19, it donated 16 million forints (approximately 63 million KRW) to support quarantine and safety measures for Kom?rom residents. Starting with this volunteer activity, SKBH plans to actively carry out social contribution activities in Hungary in line with SK Innovation’s practical ESG efforts.
Alongside this, SK Innovation has emphasized ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) management, particularly highlighting the importance of responsibility and roles regarding the environment. SK Innovation has been implementing the 'Green Balance 2030' strategy, aiming to offset both the negative and positive environmental impacts caused by its operations by 2030, achieving net zero (Zero).
Han Sang-gyu, CEO of SKBH, said, "We will continue to grow together with Kom?rom city through various programs that create social value, aiming for coexistence with the local community."
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