On January 15, the Gyeongbuk Provincial Government signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in the main conference room of Pohang City Hall for the development of wastewater treatment technology, a major challenge in the secondary battery industry.
This agreement was established to fundamentally resolve the wastewater issues in Pohang-a region emerging as a global hub for South Korea's secondary battery industry-and to secure 'wastewater treatment' technology, a core factor that determines industrial competitiveness.
The agreement brought together the Gyeongbuk Provincial Government, Pohang City, and six leading companies in the technology development consortium: Bumwoo Co., Ltd., EcoproHN Co., Ltd., Techwin Co., Ltd., Hyorim ENI Co., Ltd., U&U Co., Ltd., and NEB Co., Ltd.
With the rapid growth of the secondary battery industry, the treatment of high-concentration saline wastewater has become an urgent task directly linked to the sustainable growth potential of companies. In response, the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment is currently conducting a national technology development project with a total budget of 47.5 billion KRW over five years, accepting applications from relevant companies until the 23rd.
Through this agreement, the Gyeongbuk Provincial Government will jointly respond to the national project, closely cooperating on research and development for secondary battery wastewater treatment technology, providing test sites and infrastructure for technology demonstration, and applying research results in the field and linking them with policy initiatives.
If this project is successfully implemented, it is expected to significantly enhance the eco-friendly competitiveness of the entire industry by reducing wastewater treatment costs for secondary battery companies, improving the recovery of valuable resources, and increasing the reuse rate of industrial water.
Lee Kyunggon, Director of the Climate and Environment Bureau of the Gyeongbuk Provincial Government, stated, "Through this agreement, we will harmoniously balance the two core values of environmental preservation and industrial development, creating a major turning point for building a sustainable secondary battery industry ecosystem. Without innovation in environmental technology, true industrial success cannot be guaranteed. If the capabilities of industry, academia, research, and government are united, I am confident that Gyeongbuk can set the global standard in secondary battery wastewater treatment."
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