"Execution Matters More Than Investment"... Ulsan City Accelerates Future Industries with Major Corporations

Discussions with SK, Samsung SDI, and S-OIL on Investment Implementation

Strengthening Foundations for AI Transition, Secondary Batteries, and the Energy Industry

Ulsan City has been visiting the headquarters of major corporations in succession to listen to voices from the field, and is working to develop concrete cooperation measures for administrative support and the creation of an industrial ecosystem. Ulsan is ramping up its efforts to secure future growth engines such as artificial intelligence, secondary batteries, and the energy industry.

According to Ulsan City, Mayor Kim Sangwook visited the headquarters of SK, Samsung SDI, S-OIL, and HD Hyundai in Seoul from July 14 to 15 to review the investment status and challenges faced by companies, as well as to discuss cooperation measures aimed at enhancing the execution of megaprojects.

This visit follows up on the megaprojects announced at the 'Yeongnam Region’s Advanced Industry Development Vision National Briefing' held on July 3. The focus was on clarifying the expansion of essential infrastructure and policy support so that each company’s investment plan can transition into actual projects.

Mayor Kim initially met with the SK Group to discuss collaboration for the smooth execution of the 900MW-scale Artificial Intelligence Data Center (AIDC) project currently being promoted in the Ulsan Mipo National Industrial Complex.

Ulsan City and SK intensively reviewed key conditions for data center construction, such as securing a stable power supply network, identifying suitable sites, developing specialized personnel, and improving local living conditions.

They also discussed opening a contract-based academic department, building a related AI data center industry ecosystem, and expanding participation by local companies.

The SK representatives agreed with Ulsan City on the necessity for AI talent development and creating an industrial ecosystem, and decided to proceed with a practical review for related business initiatives.

During the meeting with Samsung SDI, the main agenda item was the proposal to establish the world’s first all-solid-state battery plant in Ulsan.

Ulsan City conveyed its intention to proactively support the expansion of the supply chain for raw materials and components, the promotion of local partner companies, and the strengthening of R&D infrastructure, so that investments in all-solid-state batteries will lead to the expansion of the regional secondary battery industrial ecosystem.

In addition, they discussed the potential to build a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) based energy storage system (ESS) plant in Ulsan, as well as ways to accelerate the investment timeline.

Mayor Kim Sangwook stated, "For investment to take root effectively in the local area, it is essential that production facilities, research and development, and talent development proceed together," adding, "We will work to improve local living conditions and establish a talent development system so that Samsung SDI researchers can settle in Ulsan stably."

In the meeting with S-OIL, follow-up investment plans after the Shaheen Project and the possibility of relocating the company’s headquarters were discussed. Ulsan City explained its future plans for industrial complex development, site support, and administrative procedures, and requested expanded cooperation for additional investment.

In response, S-OIL stated that relocating their headquarters would require a comprehensive review of management conditions and various other factors, and indicated that further practical review would continue.

Additionally, discussions were held with SK, Samsung SDI, and HD Hyundai regarding collaboration for Artificial Intelligence Transformation (AX) within the manufacturing industry. They agreed on the need to incorporate AI technology into Ulsan’s core manufacturing sectors, such as shipbuilding, to improve productivity and to create a demonstration base involving industry, academia, research, and government working together.

Ulsan City is also strengthening its role as the link between companies and the government to ensure that increased corporate investment leads to regional economic revitalization and improved quality of life for citizens. In order to solve difficulties faced by companies in the field through policy, Mayor Kim visited the Presidential Office and the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment to advocate for early adoption of a regionally differentiated electricity pricing system and to request government support regarding the direction of energy policy.

Mayor Kim Sangwook of Ulsan emphasized, "Corporate investment plans alone are not enough; execution and speed are critical," adding, "We will concentrate our administrative resources on expanding infrastructure, improving regulations, developing local living conditions, and fostering talent to build a collaborative growth model in which both corporations and Ulsan grow together."

Starting with a meeting between the Deputy Mayor and the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment on July 20, Ulsan City plans to continuously consult with relevant agencies on major issues discussed during this visit and to operate an administrative support system for implementing investments, including permitting and regulatory improvement.

Ulsan City Hall.

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