[Hear from the CTOs](18) Song Ewhan CTO: "Developing Electrolytes That Withstand Silicon Expansion... Intensifying Focus on All-Solid-State R&D"

Interview with Song Euihwan, CTO of Enchem
Ranked in the Top 10 for Electrolyte Supply Volume in China
Active Research on Next-Generation Electrolytes
for Semi-Solid, All-Solid-State, and Silicon Anode Batteries

Editor's NoteKorea's industrial sector is facing a comprehensive crisis. Soaring raw material prices, the restructuring of global supply chains, and the ongoing US-China trade conflict are all contributing to a worsening business environment. Ultimately, the key to overcoming this crisis lies in technology. Technology is the lifeline and core value of a company. This is why companies are increasingly emphasizing the role of the Chief Technology Officer (CTO). CTOs have evolved beyond simply developing new technologies; they are now strategists who analyze changing markets and present a future vision for their companies. The Asia Business Daily met with CTOs from major domestic companies to discuss the core technologies and differentiation strategies that each industry is focusing on. Through the technology strategies of leading companies, we seek ways to enhance the competitiveness of Korean industry and create future value.

While expectations are rising for the commercialization of all-solid-state batteries, Song Ewhan, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Vice President of Enchem, emphasized the need to objectively assess the pace of technological transition. In an interview held at the Cheonan headquarters in Chungnam on the 31st, he stated, "All-solid-state batteries have the advantages of high energy density and safety, but even if mass production is discussed for 2030, it will still take more time for widespread adoption," adding, "For the next ten years, the market is highly likely to remain centered on liquid electrolytes."

On the 31st of last month, Song Ewhan, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Vice President of Enchem, was interviewed by The Asia Business Daily at the Cheonan Factory in Chungnam. Enchem

Despite this outlook, Vice President Song explained that he is also pursuing strategies to prepare for the era of all-solid-state batteries. "Through our solid-state electrolyte subsidiary TDL, we are expanding our chemical portfolio," he said. "We are also planning to establish a competitive system, taking into account the possibility that cathode material companies may enter the all-solid-state market."

With over 30 years of experience in the battery industry, Vice President Song joined Enchem this August after working at Samsung SDI, serving as an industry-academia professor at Sungkyunkwan University, and holding a position at Dongwon Systems. He identified differentiated technology development and securing global competitiveness as his top priorities.

Regarding next year's business strategy, Vice President Song said, "Although the US electric vehicle market is showing signs of stagnation, Enchem will focus on expanding its Chinese customer base as a key growth driver." Among domestic battery material companies, Enchem is almost the only one directly competing with Chinese firms. The total production capacity of its Chinese factories has reached 220,000 tons, ranking within the top 10 in China based on supply volume.

When asked about the background that enabled Enchem to build competitiveness in the Chinese market, unlike most domestic battery material companies that focus their efforts on the US or European markets, Vice President Song explained, "We have shortened delivery times compared to other Chinese companies, strengthened after-sales service, and actively pursued a local talent recruitment strategy. In addition, with multiple production bases outside of China, we are well-positioned to secure Chinese OEM customers aiming to expand overseas."

Enchem is also strengthening its rapidly growing electrolyte business for energy storage systems (ESS). Vice President Song stated, "In the ESS sector, production cost competitiveness is paramount," adding, "We will secure a price advantage through a hub strategy and increased volume." He further emphasized, "Currently, Enchem has the greatest influence in the US ESS electrolyte market."

The development of next-generation electrolyte technologies is also accelerating. Enchem is researching electrolyte structures that can withstand the expansion issues associated with the application of silicon anodes. Vice President Song said, "We have a five-year roadmap for electrolytes for semi-solid and all-solid-state batteries, and are providing samples to major customers as we continue development. Since joining Enchem, I have also reorganized the team to increase our focus on all-solid-state research and development."

On the 31st of last month, Song Euihwan, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Vice President of Enchem, was interviewed by The Asia Business Daily at the Cheonan Factory in Chungnam. Enchem

Recently, Enchem has also been recognized as a research and development company for its technology in developing new additives for high-voltage electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries. Vice President Song commented, "To improve the driving range of electric vehicles, voltage needs to be increased. Our ability to design electrolyte structures that perform in high-voltage environments has been acknowledged," adding, "We have also filed patents, and technical cooperation with our customers has become even more active."

Finally, Vice President Song identified talent development and innovation of the research environment as key tasks. He stated, "I plan to apply the experience I gained focusing on safety research during my time as a professor to the R&D organization," and added, "I want to systematize the experience accumulated by senior researchers to create a platform that enables junior researchers to focus on their work." Vice President Song also said, "We will strengthen the new employee mentoring program to shorten the adaptation period to the field, and introduce a project-based responsibility system so that researchers can promptly identify customer needs."

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