In February, the winners of the Republic of Korea Engineer Award include Lee Jae-heon, executive director of LG Energy Solution, and Shin Jin-oh, head of research at Yeongdo Industrial Co.
The 'Republic of Korea Engineer Award' is presented monthly to encourage technological innovation in industrial sites and create an environment that favors engineers, selecting one engineer each from large corporations and small and medium-sized enterprises. The Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korea Industrial Technology Association select the awardees, who receive the Minister's award and a prize of 5 million won.
Executive Director Lee Jae-heon developed a high-voltage mid-nickel battery technology for general electric vehicles, which reduces the proportion of high-cost materials and increases voltage. This technology can lower costs by more than 10% compared to existing batteries with high nickel content while maintaining thermal stability. A downside of reduced nickel content is a shorter driving range, but Lee addressed this issue through single crystal cathode material technology and new electrolyte additive technology.
Lee Jae-heon noted, "Based on my 26 years of experience in battery research and development, I will do my best to continue leading technological innovation in battery materials, design, and processes" in his award acceptance remarks.
Shin Jin-oh, head of research, successfully developed and commercialized a valve for containers with a safety device that controls ultra-high-pressure hydrogen gas, making a significant contribution to establishing the foundation for the domestic hydrogen vehicle market.
Shin Jin-oh said, "I will do my best to accelerate the ultra-high-pressure hydrogen mobility industry, which will be key in the eco-friendly market, leading not only the domestic hydrogen mobility market but also the global market, contributing to securing competitive technological strength worldwide."