The Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI) pledged to build an unwavering and solid research institute to mark its 46th anniversary.

The Korea Electric Research Institute held a ceremony commemorating its 46th anniversary on the 27th. This event was held in person with all employees in attendance for the first time in three years since the spread of COVID-19.

Acting Director Kim Nam-kyun began his commemorative speech by once again praying for the repose of the soul of the late Director Myung Sung-ho, who passed away from a cerebral hemorrhage last June, and by urging all employees to carry on the deceased's noble legacy and do their utmost to produce tangible results that the public and businesses can experience.

He continued by commending the employees for their hard work, stating, “Although 2022 was a year with particularly many internal and external difficulties, the fact that the institute was able to endure without wavering was thanks to the dedication of the entire KERI family, as always.” He added, “As a result of these efforts, we are making a significant impression of KERI’s name externally under the proud vision of ‘KERI, the center of the electrified world of the future.’”

Acting Director Kim said, “KERI, which is stronger in times of crisis, has produced many achievements this year as well,” and congratulated the various external awards for development technologies in the graphene and battery fields within the research sector.

Major technology transfer achievements mentioned include power converter technology for hydrogen-based fuel cells, cathode binder technology for high-capacity lithium-ion batteries, lightning arrester element manufacturing technology for underground transmission cables, X-ray focus voltage generation technology, and a non-contact optical convergence in vitro diagnostic healthcare system.

In the testing and certification sector, achievements include the establishment of the Gwangju Redox Flow Battery Testing and Certification Center and the hosting of Asia's first 'Charin International Testival,' which contributes to improving electric vehicle charging environments and leading international standards; regarding external cooperation and management performance, achievements include the completion of the 'Smart Innovation Center' and the 'Expansion of the Technology Startup Center' to lead manufacturing innovation and startup revitalization in Gyeongnam and Changwon, as well as the 19 billion won 'e-Nanomaterial Chemical/Wet Process Platform' to realize technological self-reliance in new electric materials and components. The groundbreaking, the smooth progress of the Gyeongnam Changwon Small Giant Special Zone and the Korea-Canada Manufacturing AI project, and the acquisition of the international standard anti-corruption management system certification (ISO 37001) were cited as representative achievements.

Finally, Acting President Kim Nam-kyun concluded his founding anniversary speech by saying, “Let us become a solid research institute that remains unwavering, just as we have done so far, and a KERI that is loved and trusted by the people.”

At the ceremony held on this day, the awards for the National Science and Technology Research Council Chairman's Award, Long Service Award (10–40 years), Exemplary Employee Award, and Integrity Award were presented together.

Meanwhile, KERI is a government-funded research institute specializing in electricity under the National Science and Technology Council of the Ministry of Science and ICT, established on December 29, 1976, to promote the electric industry and power business in South Korea. Currently, in addition to its headquarters located in Changwon, Gyeongnam, it has three regional offices (Ansan, Uiwang, and Gwangju). It has a workforce of approximately 800 people and is organized into 12 divisions, 2 research groups, 1 department, 26 centers, and 29 offices.

Major research and development fields include power grids and new and renewable energy, High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission and power equipment, electric propulsion and industrial application technologies, nanomaterials and batteries, next-generation power semiconductors, and electrical technology-based convergence medical devices. Furthermore, as an internationally accredited testing and certification body for power equipment, it acquired full membership in the Short Circuit Testing Liaison (STL) in 2011. Based on world-class facilities and professional personnel, it contributes significantly to the expansion of overseas markets for domestic power equipment manufacturers by ensuring that the institute's test reports are accepted in global markets.