World's First Mass Production of Graphene Film Begins in Pohang
Graphene Square Pohang Factory Now Operational
Launch of Industry-Academia-Research Council and Enactment of Ordinance
Pohang Confirmed as a Core Hub for National Graphene Strategic Projects
The era of 'K-Graphene,' poised to transform the paradigm of the advanced new materials industry, has begun in Pohang.
On November 18, Pohang City held the completion ceremony for the 'Graphene Square Pohang Factory' at the Blue Valley National Industrial Complex.
The event was attended by Pohang Mayor Lee Kangdeok, Pohang City Council Chairman Kim Ilman, Kim Seongyeol, Director-General for Industrial Policy at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Lee Namuk, Head of Airport Investment at North Gyeongsang Province, POSTECH President Kim Seonggeun, Pohang Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Na Jooyoung, as well as representatives from related organizations and companies including Samsung Electronics, Calisco, and POSCO Holdings. Over 100 participants gathered to mark a new beginning for the region's advanced industries.
Graphene, often called the 'dream material,' is 200 times stronger than steel and boasts outstanding conductivity, flexibility, and transparency, making it a next-generation core material. In August, the government designated graphene as one of its 'Super-Innovation Economy Leading Projects' and announced plans for active support.
As its applications rapidly expand to electric vehicle batteries, renewable energy, biopharmaceuticals, AI supercomputers, and aerospace, countries around the world are entering a fierce technological race.
Amid these industrial trends, Graphene Square is recognized as a global leader in commercializing graphene. Based on large-area graphene synthesis technology using chemical vapor deposition (CVD), as reported in the international journal Nature, the company has established the world's first mass production system for CVD graphene films.
Products utilizing Graphene Square's technology have received numerous awards from prominent overseas media and exhibitions, such as TIME magazine, CES, and the German Design Award, attesting to their innovation.
With the completion of the Pohang factory, Graphene Square plans to begin full-scale mass production of CVD graphene films next year, following testing, analysis, and pilot production.
The company also aims to expand its supply chain into various industries, including premium kitchen appliances, automotive heated glass, beauty and healthcare devices, wearables, and components for aerospace and shipbuilding.
During the ceremony, the 'Industry-Academia-Research Council for Building the Pohang Graphene Valley' was also launched. This council, comprising domestic and international companies, universities, and research institutes including Graphene Square, will play a key role in expanding the regional industrial ecosystem by attracting related companies and establishing a technology cooperation network for the creation of the Pohang Graphene Valley.
Pohang City identified graphene's potential early on and has been accelerating the expansion of its growth base. In September, the city established the first ordinance in the country for the 'Promotion and Support of the Graphene Industry,' providing a legal foundation for industry development. Through a consulting project to establish the 'Pohang Graphene Valley Strategy,' the city also unveiled a blueprint for building a world-class graphene innovation ecosystem.
The government's strong interest reflects Pohang's proactive approach. On November 5, the New Growth Strategy Planning Task Force of the Ministry of Economy and Finance selected Pohang as the first field visit site for the graphene sector of the Super-Innovation Economy Leading Projects, underscoring Pohang's status as the practical center of Korea's graphene industry.
Hong Byunghee, CEO of Graphene Square, stated, "It is deeply meaningful and moving to see the world's first commercialization of graphene film realized in Pohang. From today, graphene will no longer remain a 'dream material' confined to the laboratory, but will establish itself as a core material driving industrial innovation."
Mayor Lee Kangdeok said, "This completion marks a new turning point for the graphene industry. I hope the Graphene Square Pohang Factory will serve as a catalyst for Pohang to emerge as the global hub of the graphene industry."
Pohang City Emerging as the New Hub of the Global Graphene Industry (Congratulatory Speech by Mayor Lee Kangdeok).
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