Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

Trade Minister Yeo Meets with The Korea Society President Thomas J. Byrne

Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources met with Thomas J. Byrne, President and CEO of The Korea Society, on Tuesday, November 4, at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) in Jung-gu, Seoul. The two discussed ways to strengthen Korea–U.S. cooperation in industry and energy and to improve bilateral visa policies. date2025-11-10

Korea to Strengthen Global Competitiveness in Nanotechnology Standards

The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS, President Kim Dae-ja) announced that it will host the 2025 ISO/TC 229 (Nanotechnologies) Plenary Meeting from Monday, November 10, to Friday, November 14, 2025, at Songdo ConvensiA in Incheon, in cooperation with the Korea Carbon Industry Promotion Agency and the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science. ISO/TC 229, a technical committee under the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), develops international standards for nanotechnologies used across cutting-edge industries such as biotechnology, displays, and quantum technology. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the committee’s establishment. The plenary meeting will bring together approximately 100 participants from over 20 countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, the United States, Japan, and China, as well as Korean industry and academic experts, to discuss global standardization issues related to nanotechnology measurement standards, health and safety, and sustainability. Korea is currently developing ten international standards in areas including nanomaterial particle characterization, nanoproduct applications, and health and safety assessments of nanotechnologies. KATS expects that hosting this plenary meeting will increase the likelihood of the ten Korea-proposed standards being adopted as formal international standards, thereby strengthening the global competitiveness of Korean companies utilizing nanotechnology—including those in the display, future mobility, and biotechnology sectors. President Kim Dae-ja stated that KATS will continue to expand the development of international standards and Korean Industrial Standards (KS) for nanomaterials to enhance Korea’s competitiveness in advanced industries, while also contributing to industrial development in health- and safety-related fields. date2025-11-10

Korea to Lead Development of International Standards for Core Equipment Used in Eco-Friendly Fuel Ships

Korea will take the lead in developing international standards to ensure the safety and efficiency of equipment used in eco-friendly fuel ships powered by ammonia and hydrogen. The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS, President Kim Dae-ja) under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) announced that it will propose two new international standards at the ISO/TC 8/SC 3 Piping and Machinery Subcommittee Meeting being held in Busan from November 3 to 6, 2025. Global shipbuilders are developing vessels powered by eco-friendly fuels such as ammonia and hydrogen in response to greenhouse gas reduction regulations set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Building on its strengths in the shipbuilding sector, Korea is leading efforts to standardize core equipment for eco-friendly fuel ships. At this meeting, KATS plans to propose international standards for “Test Procedures for Valves and Heat Exchangers for Ammonia-Fueled Ships.” Once adopted, the proposed international standards for these core components are expected to significantly strengthen Korea’s global competitiveness in the ammonia-fueled ship sector, which remains at an early stage of commercialization. Korean marine equipment manufacturers will continue developing international standards for key components of eco-friendly fuel ships, including piping systems and storage tanks. KATS President Kim Dae-ja stated, “It is highly meaningful for Korea to lead the development of core technology standards for future vessels in line with the global push for carbon neutrality. We will continue to strengthen Korea’s standardization capabilities in eco-friendly alternative fuel ship technology to support the competitiveness of our shipbuilding and marine equipment industries in the global market.” date2025-11-04

Korea Sets World’s First Standard for Photovoltaic-Thermal Hybrid Modules

The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS, President Kim Dae-ja), under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR), announced on Friday, October 31, 2025, that it established and promulgated the world’s first Korean Industrial Standard (KS) for photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) hybrid modules, which generate both electricity and heat from solar energy. While separate standards already exist for photovoltaic modules that generate electricity and for solar thermal collectors that produce heat, no standard existed for PVT hybrid modules combining both technologies. This lack of standardization posed challenges for Korean manufacturers seeking to enter new markets. To address this issue, KATS utilized the Certification of Conformity of New Products of Industrial Convergence system in 2023 and has now established the world’s first KS standard to promote the adoption of PVT hybrid modules. As PVT hybrid modules are well-suited for buildings requiring both electricity and heat, the newly established KS standard is expected to support the government’s policy goal of achieving a renewable energy–centered energy transition and advancing toward zero-energy building certification for energy self-sufficiency. KATS President Kim Dae-ja stated, “The world’s first standardization of PVT hybrid modules demonstrates the government’s commitment to supporting the market adoption of new convergence technologies developed by Korean companies. Moving forward, we will also pursue international standardization to help Korean companies expand into global markets.” date2025-10-31

Korea Leads Development of International Standards for Eco-Friendly and Autonomous Offshore Plants

The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS, President Kim Dae-ja) under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources announced that Korea will propose four new international standards reflecting next-generation offshore plant technologies at the ISO Technical Committee 67 (Oil and Gas Industries Including Lower Carbon Energy) General Assembly, to be held in Geoje, Gyeongsangnam-do, from October 20 to 24, 2025. This will be the first time ISO TC 67 holds its General Assembly in Korea since its founding in 1947. About 100 experts from 16 member countries are expected to attend to discuss international standards for the oil, gas, and renewable energy plant sectors. At the General Assembly, Korean companies including Samsung Heavy Industries will lead efforts to standardize key technologies that support unmanned operation and eco-friendliness in offshore plants. Korea will propose standards on “Safety Signage and Emergency Escape Route Requirements” for unmanned offshore plants and “Aerogel Insulation Installation Guidelines” for efficient operation of ammonia and hydrogen pipelines in renewable energy plants. Additional proposals include standardizing material specifications for piping and structural bolts and nuts suitable for marine environments to enhance structural safety, as well as establishing performance and testing standards for coating materials used in offshore plants to improve corrosion resistance and long-term durability. The event will also include a technical seminar highlighting Korea’s latest offshore plant technologies and a site tour of Samsung Heavy Industries’ shipyard and offshore production facilities, providing international experts with an opportunity to observe Korea’s technological leadership firsthand. KATS President Kim Dae-ja stated, “This ISO TC 67 General Assembly marks a significant opportunity for Korea to lead international standardization in the offshore plant sector. We will expand cooperation on next-generation technologies such as autonomous plants and renewable offshore energy, and actively support Korean companies’ entry into global markets.” date2025-10-20

Korea Hosts 11th International Conference on Hydrogen Safety

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE, Minister JK Kim) announced that the 11th International Conference on Hydrogen Safety (ICHS) will be held at Lotte Hotel World in Seoul on September 22–26, 2025. The conference will bring together experts from around the world to share the latest technologies and research developments in hydrogen safety and explore avenues for policy cooperation. Approximately 300 participants are expected to attend, including speakers from 24 countries and representatives from major governments and organizations. As the host country, Korea will use this opportunity to demonstrate its strong commitment to building a safe hydrogen economy—ensuring that hydrogen, as a core clean energy source of the future, develops in tandem with safety. Beginning on September 23, 2025, the conference will feature keynote speeches from government and industry leaders, 163 research paper presentations, a site visit to the Incheon liquefied hydrogen plant, and promotional booths from eight Korean and international companies. These programs will facilitate discussions on hydrogen safety policies and technologies while highlighting the competitive strengths of Korean companies. In his keynote address, Park Deok-yeol, Director-General of the Hydrogen Economy Policy Bureau, stressed, “A hydrogen economy grounded in safety is essential to addressing the global climate crisis and achieving carbon neutrality. Hydrogen safety is not an issue for any single nation to handle alone; it requires close international cooperation. We hope this conference will serve as a turning point toward a safer, cleaner hydrogen society.” date2025-09-23

Vice Minister Attends Power Transformation Session of CEM16/MI-10

Korea’s Vice Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Lee Ho-hyeon attended a high-level dialogue session of the 16th Clean Energy Ministerial Meeting (CEM16) and the 10th Mission Innovation Ministerial Meeting (MI-10) on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at BEXCO in Busan, Korea. The session’s theme was “Power Transformation.” After delivering a keynote address, the vice minister discussed ways to expand carbon-free power generation facilities and electricity infrastructure to meet rising energy demand, while exploring strategies for power system innovation to accelerate the clean energy transition. The session brought together officials from member countries including the UK, China, Australia, and the Netherlands, as well as experts from domestic and international organizations and business leaders. date2025-09-08

Vice Minister Meets the Netherlands’ Vice Minister of Climate Policy and Green Growth

Korea’s Vice Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Lee Ho-hyeon met with the Netherlands’ Vice Minister of Climate Policy and Green Growth Michel Heijdra on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at BEXCO in Busan, Korea. The two sides discussed bilateral energy cooperation during the 16th Clean Energy Ministerial Meeting and the 10th Mission Innovation Ministerial Meeting held at the same venue. date2025-09-08

Vice Minister Meets European Commission’s Director-General for Energy

Korea’s Vice Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Lee Ho-hyeon met with the European Commission’s Director-General for Energy Ditte Juul Jørgensen on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at BEXCO in Busan, Korea. They discussed the Global Energy Transition Forum and energy policies during the 16th Clean Energy Ministerial Meeting and the 10th Mission Innovation Ministerial Meeting held at the same venue. date2025-09-08

Vice Minister Meets Saudi Arabia’s Undersecretary for Sustainability and Climate Change

Korea’s Vice Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Lee Ho-hyeon met with Saudi Arabia’s Undersecretary for Sustainability and Climate Change at the Ministry of Energy Khalid Almehaid on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at BEXCO in Busan, Korea. The two sides discussed bilateral energy cooperation during the 16th Clean Energy Ministerial Meeting and the 10th Mission Innovation Ministerial Meeting held at the same venue. date2025-09-08