South Korea's Investment in Quantum Technology and Hydrogen Steelmaking Innovation
Key Ideas
  • South Korea plans to invest 650 billion won in quantum technology over eight years to develop high-performance quantum computers and challenge the global competition in the quantum field.
  • The Quantum Science and Technology Flagship Project will invest 645.4 billion won over eight years to develop a 1,000-qubit quantum computer and a 100km quantum internet, aiming for global competitiveness.
  • Additionally, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy will conduct a demonstration of 300,000-ton hydrogen reduction steelmaking, which is projected to reduce carbon emissions by over 95% compared to the existing blast furnace process.
South Korea is embarking on a significant investment in quantum technology, with plans to allocate approximately 650 billion won over eight years to develop high-performance quantum computers. This initiative comes in response to the intense competition in the quantum field between the United States and China. The Quantum Science and Technology Flagship Project, with an investment of 645.4 billion won until 2032, aims to position South Korea competitively by developing a 1,000-qubit quantum computer and a 100km quantum internet. The Ministry of Science and ICT has initiated the pursuit of this project, focusing on the development of a superconducting quantum chip with operational error correction to address errors that escalate with the number of qubits. The project aligns with global advancements, such as Google's introduction of the quantum chip 'Willow' featuring new technologies. In addition to quantum technology, South Korea is also driving innovation in hydrogen reduction steelmaking. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy will conduct a demonstration of 300,000-ton hydrogen reduction steelmaking using a spectral hydrogen flow reduction furnace, aiming for a carbon emissions reduction of more than 95% compared to traditional methods. Further projects in the 100 billion to 300 billion won range include digital media innovation, disaster management, semiconductor technology development, climate change adaptation, and construction safety innovation. Ryu Gwang-jun from the Ministry of Science and ICT emphasized the importance of these projects in addressing societal challenges, fostering new industries, and responding to climate crises, aiming to elevate national competitiveness and enhance citizens' quality of life.
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