US Department of Energy ARPA-E Visits UNIST... Strengthening Cooperation on Seawater Resource Technology

US Energy Agency Highlights UNIST Seawater Resource Utilization Achievements

Ulsan Special Zone Company Collaborates with ARPA-E on Energy Technology Commercialization

The Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) under the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) visited UNIST.

This added significant meaning to the international advancement of seawater resource technology and the growth of the energy industry in the Ulsan region.

On the 23rd, the Ulsan Uljoo Innovation District (UNIST) hosted a discussion session on ‘seawater resource technology’ by inviting the ARPA-E delegation. More than 30 people attended, including Evelyn N. Wang, Director of ARPA-E, officials from the U.S. Department of Energy, and representatives from energy companies. This visit followed their visit to POSTECH on the 22nd.

ARPA-E is an agency that promotes and funds advanced energy technology research and development (R&D). The delegation toured the UNIST Seawater Resource Technology Research Center and listened to presentations by companies within the Ulsan Uljoo Innovation District developing seawater secondary batteries and seawater resource technologies. They discussed cooperation plans in various fields such as secondary batteries using seawater, hydrogen production, and carbon storage.

The UNIST Seawater Resource Technology Research Center developed the world’s first ‘seawater battery,’ which replaces the cathode of a lithium-ion battery with seawater. Companies that have licensed this technology are co-located at the center to promote commercialization.

Seawater batteries are gaining attention as an eco-friendly and economical energy storage solution.

Simon Freeman of ARPA-E said, “During the tour of the UNIST Seawater Resource Center, we confirmed the outstanding growth and practical potential of seawater battery development over the past decade,” adding, “We plan to consider seawater batteries as an energy source candidate for marine devices and seek cooperation with national laboratories and universities in the U.S.”

Kim Young-sik, Director of the Ulsan Uljoo Innovation District Center, said, “ARPA-E showed great interest in the seawater battery research at UNIST and in the Ulsan region,” and added, “We plan to build close relationships to strengthen international cooperation for companies within the innovation district.”