SEOUL, May 27 (Korea Bizwire) — Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment said Tuesday it aims to localize 90 percent of the equipment and m...

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SEOUL, May 27 (Korea Bizwire) — Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment said Tuesday it aims to localize 90 percent of the equipment and m...
SEOUL, May 27 (Korea Bizwire) — Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment said Tuesday it aims to localize 90 percent of the equipment and materials used across the entire ultrapure water production process by 2030, as the country moves to strengthen supply-chain independence for semiconductor and other advanced industries.

The ministry said it will hold a launch meeting Tuesday in Seoul for the second phase of its next-generation ultrapure water production and self-reliant process technology project.

Ultrapure water — highly refined industrial water essential for semiconductor manufacturing — has become a strategic technology area for South Korea since Japan imposed export restrictions on key chipmaking materials in 2019.

In response, the government launched the first phase of a localization project in 2021, successfully developing domestic technologies for several core components used in ultrapure water systems, including ultraviolet oxidation units, membrane degasifiers and ion exchange resins.

The second phase will broaden localization efforts beyond core equipment to include supply piping and other industrial materials used throughout the production chain.

The government also plans to develop low-energy demonstration technologies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and operating costs in ultrapure water production facilities.

As climate change raises the risk of extreme droughts and industrial water shortages, researchers will additionally work on technologies capable of producing ultrapure water from recycled wastewater by removing ultratrace contaminants.

The ministry said it also plans to secure advanced analytical technologies capable of detecting substances at parts-per-trillion levels, allowing for more precise quality evaluation of ultrapure water used in semiconductor fabrication.

Officials described the initiative as part of a broader effort to establish technological independence and build a stable, sustainable supply system for critical industrial water infrastructure.

The project highlights how strategic competition in semiconductors is increasingly extending beyond chips themselves to include the specialized materials, equipment and utilities required to manufacture them.
SOURCE: http://koreabizwire.com/korea-pushes-to-localize-ultrapure-water-technology-for-chip-industry/351798?ckattempt=1

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