The government plans to raise the technology self-sufficiency rate of silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductors, currently around 10%, to 20% by 2030. SiC power semiconductors are an advanced material used in electric vehicles and renewable energy because they incur less power loss than conventional semiconductors.
The Ministry of Economy and Finance held the Growth Strategy Task Force (TF) and Ministers' Meeting on Industrial Competitiveness on the 10th and announced the first implementation plan for five tasks among the 15 lead projects of the ultra-innovation economy, including the items above. The projects included in this plan are SiC power semiconductors, LNG cargo containment systems, graphene, special carbon steel, and K-food.
The ministry plans to actively support core technologies across the supply chain connecting SiC strategic semiconductor materials, devices, and modules, and to train specialized talent. Centered on eight universities including Seoul National University, it will nurture master's and doctoral-level talent specialized in compound power semiconductors.
It will also build SiC demonstration infrastructure around regional hubs and support related corporations by using policy funds. It will form a task force centered on anchor corporations, the lead ministry, and experts that make up the value chain of wafers, devices, modules, and foundries, and will discuss package support measures covering fiscal policy, taxation, finance, and regulation.
For LNG cargo containment systems, it will launch a localization demonstration project to develop proprietary technology and advance materials and parts. Although Korea ranks No. 1 in LNG carrier orders, it lacks proprietary technology for cargo containment systems, which are the LNG tanks, and thus pays royalties.
The government plans to develop Korean-style cargo containment system panels and other automation equipment, and support the advancement of materials and parts. It will also support building pilot production bases for key equipment such as Korean-style cargo containment system cryogenic insulation. It will establish expense loan support measures for cargo containment systems and set up a task force. The task force is expected to include anchor corporations such as HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Samsung Heavy Industries, and Hanwha Ocean, along with the lead ministry and experts.
Regarding graphene, known as the dream new material, Korea has secured original technology but commercialization is at an early stage. Accordingly, the government will actively support the development of commercialization technologies and pursue demand-supply corporation cooperation projects to foster technological outcomes.
As for special carbon steel, which is harder and more corrosion-resistant than ordinary carbon steel, the government will support the development of next-generation special carbon steel applicable to extreme environments. Korea holds top-tier global technology in high value-added plates and sheets for shipbuilding and energy, and high value-added, low-carbon steel sheets for automobiles. However, it is engaged in technological competition with the European Union (EU) and Japan. The government plans to cultivate master's and doctoral-level experts to secure world-class technological capabilities.
Lastly, for K-food, it plans to further strengthen export competitiveness by designating overseas missions as export hubs and expanding joint logistics centers.
The ministry said, "We will sequentially announce the remaining 10 ultra-innovation economy lead projects through the Growth Strategy TF going forward," adding, "We will ensure that visible results are achieved."