KTC-Changwon City Signs MOU for Industrial Support in Hydrogen and Defense Sectors
KTC-Changwon City Signs MOU for Industrial Support in Hydrogen and Defense Sectors
Korea Testing Certification institute (KTC) announced its signing of a MOU with Changwon City on the 24th to expand testing, certification, and research activities in the emerging hydrogen industry and the globally strategic defense sector.
Under this MOU, the two organizations have agreed to collaborate on the seamless establishment of the △Testing and Certification Support Center in Changwon △Testing and Certification Support for Hydrogen and Defense Industry Companies △Promotion of domestic and international industries related to the field.
The hydrogen sector is a key focus area for KTC, with the global hydrogen economy projected to reach an annual market size of $2.5 trillion by 2050. Korea is expected to contribute $590 billion to this market, prompting domestic regions to concentrate on hydrogen industries as a future growth driver. Notably, Changwon plays a leading role in the production, storage, transportation, and utilization of hydrogen.
Furthermore, KTC received recognition as a testing and evaluation institution for hydrogen storage from the European International Certified Testing Institution ECM (ENTE Certificazione Macchine S.r.l.) in September, marking a significant milestone for Korea. This recognition is anticipated to generate synergies for overseas certification acquisition and export support for hydrogen companies based in Changwon.
The defense industry demands advanced technology and precision. Korea's defense export volume increased nearly sixfold from $3 billion in 2020 to $17.3 billion in 2022, ranking it as the 9th largest defense exporter globally. Aligning with the government's policy to enter the top four defense exporting countries by 2027, Changwon actively promotes the development of the local defense industry.
KTC signed an MOU with the Military Intelligence Command in March this year to support security compliance verification for products intended for military use. Through this collaboration, KTC aims to facilitate the swift and secure introduction of products to the military, supporting the growth of Changwon's defense industry based on this expertise.
This MOU represents a concrete outcome following KTC President Sungil Ahn's visit to Changwon in June, during which he proposed cooperation in testing and certification activities in the hydrogen field with Mayor Nam-pyo Hong. Additionally, KTC signed an MOU with Changwon National University during the visit for cooperation in research and development, education, and technological exchange in the hydrogen sector.
President Sungil Ahn stated, "Through this MOU, we will establish a cooperative system for Changwon's future and global industrial sectors, promote regional industrial development, and strive for mutual growth by supporting company exports."
