Pohang Emerges as K-Battery Resource Circulation Hub... "National Battery Recycling Cluster" Officially Launched

Published 04 Nov.2025 13:31(KST)

National Core Infrastructure for Realizing a Circular Economy with Electric Vehicle Batteries Begins Operation

The "National Battery Recycling Cluster," a key national infrastructure for realizing a circular economy utilizing electric vehicle batteries, has officially begun operations in Pohang.

On November 4, Pohang City held the "National Battery Recycling Cluster Opening Ceremony" at the Pohang Blue Valley National Industrial Complex to promote carbon neutrality and the transition to green industries through battery resource circulation.

Pohang City held the "National Battery Recycling Cluster Opening Ceremony" on the 4th at the Pohang Blue Valley National Industrial Complex. Photo by Pohang City

This opening ceremony officially marked the completion of the battery resource circulation hub project, which the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment has been implementing, as a national-level demonstration system. It signifies that South Korea is now operating a full-fledged battery circular economy system.

The event was attended by more than 200 people, including Mayor Lee Kangdeok, Kim Goeung, Director General of Resource Circulation at the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, Kim Ilman, Chairman of Pohang City Council, as well as representatives from related companies and institutions, and local residents. The program included a progress report, awards for distinguished contributors, congratulatory remarks, and a commemorative performance.

The National Battery Recycling Cluster is a direct project of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, with a total project cost of 48.9 billion won. Pohang City provided the land and supported the establishment of the necessary infrastructure.

The cluster has been established to provide full-cycle battery services, from research and development to performance evaluation, certification, and business support. It is expected to accelerate the demonstration and industrialization of battery resource technologies.

In addition, by linking with nearby facilities such as the Secondary Battery Integrated Management Center and the Electric Vehicle Battery Inline Automated Evaluation Center, the cluster will establish a resource circulation ecosystem that encompasses the entire reuse and recycling industry.

As a result, the cluster is expected to become a key hub for achieving a national-level battery circular economy, carbon neutrality, and the transition to green industries.

Going forward, Pohang City plans to continue follow-up projects such as expanding the commercialization of technology demonstration results, promoting the concentration of related companies, and fostering specialized talent through close cooperation with industry and research institutions. Through these efforts, the city aims to secure a leading position in the resource circulation market and deliver tangible results in strengthening national competitiveness.

In addition, to enhance understanding among citizens and industry, the city will offer facility tours and promotional programs, while also working to build consensus on policy and spread the value of green industries.

Mayor Lee Kangdeok stated, "With the opening of the National Battery Recycling Cluster, Pohang has become the hub and forward base of the battery circular economy. Centered around the National Battery Recycling Cluster, we will build a circular economy ecosystem in partnership with companies, universities, and research institutions, creating a new growth model for Korea's resource circulation industry."

'National Battery Recycling Cluster' Fully Launched.