Battery Industry Points Out "Labor Shortage," Government Says "We Will Help"

Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Moon Seung-wook (second from right in the front row) is attending the 'InterBattery and 2021 xEV Trend Korea' held at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul on the 9th, observing the SK Innovation battery installed in the Hyundai electric vehicle Ioniq 5. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] The domestic secondary battery industry pointed out a shortage of workforce at the frontline and emphasized the need for government support.

Jeon Young-hyun, President of Samsung SDI and Chairman of the Korea Battery Industry Association, said at InterBattery 2021 held on the 9th, "All industries, including semiconductors, urgently need workforce development," adding, "The secondary battery industry is growing rapidly, and it would be good if there is government-level support so that our companies can grow together."

The exhibition was attended by key executives from domestic battery and material companies, including Moon Seung-wook, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, Ji Dong-seop, Head of SK Innovation Battery Business, Kim Dong-myeong, Vice President of LG Energy Solution, Min Kyung-jun, CEO of POSCO Chemical, and Choi Soo-an, CEO of L&F. Representatives from the three major domestic battery companies and other leading firms toured the main company booths in the exhibition hall together with Minister Moon.

Moon Seung-wook, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (fourth from the left), and Ji Dong-seop, Head of SK Innovation's Battery Business (fifth from the left), along with others, are taking a commemorative photo after visiting the SK Innovation exhibition booth at 'InterBattery,' the largest domestic battery industry exhibition held on the 9th at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Photo by SK Innovation

After the meeting, Minister Moon told reporters, "I heard a lot about the workforce issue," adding, "Securing core personnel is the biggest problem, and there were also suggestions on how to strategically collaborate on securing materials."

With the government planning to announce a comprehensive plan for the development of the domestic battery industry as early as next month, he also hinted at including practical support measures. Minister Moon said, "Next month’s ‘K-Battery Industry Development Strategy’ will incorporate industry suggestions as much as possible to enable companies to operate energetically."

Key company executives attending the event toured competitors’ exhibition booths. Ji Dong-seop, CEO of SK Innovation, said, "There are many variables in battery technology such as safety, fast charging, driving range, and output, and each company has slightly different focuses," adding, "Each company seems to be heading toward strengths that meet customer demands." President Jeon Young-hyun said, "The technology is developing remarkably every year," and added, "We will also strive harder."

He was reserved about specific current issues. Regarding rumors of joint ventures with automakers, President Jeon said, "It is difficult to mention in advance as it relates to customers," but added, "We are considering it, but nothing has been decided yet." When asked about plans for additional factories in the U.S., CEO Ji said, "We will first select the site and then proceed with full-scale investment immediately."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.