Boryeong, South Korea – In a significant stride towards a carbon-neutral future, Boryeong City, historically a cornerstone of South Korea's fossil fuel industry, has inaugurated its cutting-edge Carbon Neutral Mobility Center. This ambitious initiative, a collaborative effort with Chungcheongnam-do Province, signals a decisive shift towards fostering a new era of sustainable transportation technologies. The official launch ceremony, held on the 29th at the Jugyo Gwanchang General Industrial Complex, drew over 300 attendees, including Governor Kim Tae-heum and Jin Jong-wook, President of the esteemed Korea Automotive Technology Institute (KATECH), underscoring the national significance of this transition.

The establishment of the Carbon Neutral Mobility Center represents a proactive response to the global imperative for environmental sustainability. As nations worldwide grapple with the urgent need to mitigate climate change, South Korea is strategically positioning itself at the forefront of the burgeoning eco-friendly mobility sector. Boryeong, facing the inevitable phasing out of its coal-fired power infrastructure, is embracing this transformation as an opportunity for economic diversification and the creation of high-value-added industries.

The newly commissioned center is a comprehensive complex comprising four specialized units: the High-Performance Electrification Center, the Electrification Tuning Vehicle Support Center, the Eco-Friendly Ship Testing and Evaluation Center, and the Eco-Friendly Ship Virtual Demonstration Center. This multi-faceted approach underscores the commitment to advancing a broad spectrum of clean mobility solutions, encompassing both land and maritime transport.

With a substantial investment of 89.9 billion KRW, the four centers are equipped with an impressive array of 32 distinct types and 57 state-of-the-art equipment units. Crucially, the operation of these advanced facilities will be overseen by the expertise of the Korea Automotive Technology Institute (KATECH), ensuring rigorous standards and cutting-edge research capabilities.

The High-Performance Electrification Center, spanning 1,528 square meters, is poised to become a critical hub for evaluating the performance and reliability of key electric vehicle powertrain components. Equipped with technologies such as rapid charging systems, the center will conduct comprehensive assessments of motor performance, noise and vibration characteristics, and driving range. Furthermore, it will offer crucial design support to bolster the domestic electric vehicle industry.

Recognizing the importance of battery technology in the electric vehicle revolution, the 2,283-square-meter Electrification Tuning Vehicle Support Center will focus on the rigorous testing and evaluation of electric vehicle battery performance and safety. This center, housing 18 specialized laboratories and a diverse range of testing equipment, will play a pivotal role in facilitating the technological transition of domestic auto parts manufacturers.

The maritime sector, often overlooked in the discourse on sustainable transport, receives significant attention through the establishment of the Eco-Friendly Ship Testing and Evaluation Center. This 1,643-square-meter facility will support the development and deployment of cleaner marine technologies, including the reduction of fine dust emissions from small coastal vessels, the evaluation of electric and hybrid propulsion systems, and the verification of hydrogen fuel cell technology for maritime applications.

Complementing the physical testing capabilities, the Eco-Friendly Ship Virtual Demonstration Center offers a unique platform for the simulation and analysis of eco-friendly maritime technologies. This 1,440-square-meter, three-story facility will leverage advanced tools, including a ship metaverse support data management system, to conduct virtual validations of clean technology components, analyze exhaust emissions, provide realistic operational simulations, and offer essential maintenance training for eco-friendly vessels.

Governor Kim Tae-heum articulated the profound significance of this development, particularly in the context of Boryeong's industrial heritage. He recalled his efforts to revitalize the Gwanchang Industrial Complex during his tenure as Vice Governor, highlighting the transformative potential of the Carbon Neutral Mobility Center in driving technological advancement and supporting local enterprises.

"Carbon neutrality is an undeniable imperative of our time," Governor Kim emphasized, addressing the students present at the ceremony. "We must not burden future generations with the consequences of inaction. By fostering technological progress through centers like this, we can ensure the robust growth of alternative industries."

The inauguration of the Carbon Neutral Mobility Center is anticipated to yield a cascade of positive impacts, ranging from the cultivation of alternative industries to offset the decline of coal-fired power, the securing of new engines for economic growth, the enhancement of regional industrial competitiveness, the creation of a vibrant high-value-added industrial ecosystem, the mitigation of local depopulation risks, and a significant boost to the regional economy.

This strategic pivot by Boryeong City underscores a broader national commitment in South Korea to embrace sustainable development and innovation. By investing in research, development, and infrastructure for future mobility, the nation is positioning itself as a key player in the global transition towards a cleaner, more sustainable transportation landscape. The Carbon Neutral Mobility Center in Boryeong stands as a testament to this commitment, heralding a new era of economic and environmental progress for the region and the nation.