The national government, local governments and participating companies held the ceremony at the Jeonnam Creative Economy and Innovation Center to promote the development and diffusion of carbon reduction technology. It is considered an innovative greenhouse gas reduction measure that existed prior to the Paris Agreement, which took effect on November 4.

On November 3, four municipalities and 20 companies in Jeollanam-do signed a business agreement on the national strategic project to convert carbon into future resources. POSCO, second from right, signed the contract as a representative of the companies.

The national strategic project aims to produce useful goods by using carbon sources in by-product and greenhouse gases. This project, designed to cope with the new climate system, will proceed with the Carbon Conversion Flagship and the Carbon Mineralization Flagship by investing 47.5 billion won over six years starting from 2017. Once a budget is allocated to the project by the National Assembly, the government will start on it in full force by assembling a project group in early 2017.

When this technology is completed and applied to steel mills and petrochemical companies, it will contribute to reducing a considerable amount of greenhouse gas emissions.

Approximately 20 companies that participated in the agreement, including POSCO, LG Chem and Lotte Chemical, will contribute not only to slashing greenhouse gas emissions, but to revitalizing local economies by pushing ahead with carbon conversion and enforcing the national strategic project.

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The MOU-signing ceremony was held on October 17 in the POSCO magnesium plate factory in the Haeryong Industrial Complex in Suncheon. Approximately 20 people were present, including National Assembly member Jeonghyeon Lee, the governor of Jeolla-namdo Nakyeon Lee, the mayor of Suncheon Choonghoon Cho and POSCO CEO Ohjoon Kwon.

POSCO and Suncheon, Jeolla-namdo entered into an MOU on October 17 to expand the number of magnesium production facilities. Third from the left, National Assembly member Jeonghyeon Lee, governor of Jeolla-namdo Nakyeon Lee, POSCO CEO Ohjoon Kwon and the mayor of Suncheon Choonghoon Cho.

According to this MOU, POSCO and Suncheon will join forces in the purchase of a lot and the expansion of the facilities for producing automotive wide magnesium plates. They will also work side by side in transforming the Haeryong Industrial Complex into a light materials industry cluster by fostering and actively supporting magnesium-related SMEs.

Magnesium is in the spotlight as an ultra-light material that is lighter than aluminum and steel. As environment-friendly issues have emerged in the automotive industry, POSCO has focused on developments with magnesium, as it can be more effective than aluminum in terms of weight reduction. POSCO completed the magnesium plate factory in Suncheon in July 2007, and has since been producing and supplying alloy plates to domestic and overseas automakers and electronics companies.

POSCO’s magnesium was applied to Renault’s concept car ‘EOLAB,’ which was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October 2014. The roof of a standard car weights about 10kg, but the roof of ‘EOLAB’, which is made from POSCO’s magnesium plates, weighs about 4.5kg, and has accordingly attracted public attention.

POSCO is planning to capitalize on this expansion to preempt the anticipated increasing demand for magnesium for foreign automobiles, and become the first to make a move in the global market.

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A Breathtaking Sound Experience, ‘Korando C’ Speaker System
For the first time in Korea, Ssangyong Motor offers the state-of-the-art sound quality through speakers with POSCO’s magnesium sheet applied, to 2015 ‘Korando C’, Ssangyong’s new automobile. The sound quality of the speaker is far beyond the quality of 6.5 inch-paper speaker, which is applied to 2000cc SUVs of default features.

As a component that plays sounds, the magnesium diaphragm of ‘Korando C’ receives electronic signals and sends out vibrations into the air. Since a diaphragm is the main component that determines the sound quality, it must be lightweight, high in rigidity and automatically dissipates resonance which is irrelevant with the genuine signal. Previously, speaker’s diaphragms were mostly created with paper materials but they were insufficient in high-tone playback due to paper’s shortage in intensity. In order to improve the audio quality, various materials have been considered for development.

Magnesium Diaphragm: the Secret of Full Spectrum Audio Performance
Magnesium sheets are evaluated as the most idealistic material for speaker diaphragms so far. Lightweight and stern, the magnesium sheet can create high-pitch yet pure sound due to the material’s expansive range of frequency. As an ultra-light material, the magnesium sheet can cover a full spectrum from a low note to a high note even with a feeble driving force. Compared to other materials, the magnesium diaphragm provides softer and richer pitch while also offering refined tone with its excellent transmissibility. Especially, the magnesium sheet is less susceptible to unnecessary vibrations that lead to an unpleasant resonance noise. As a result, the high-quality dynamic speaker device, which realizes the sound that is closest to the original tone, is obtained.

POSCO’s Magnesium Sheet behind Your Dynamic Sound on the Road
The magnesium sheets supplied by POSCO undergo the process of figuration, surface treatment, speaker manufacturing, and finally get installed in automobiles. Currently, the magnesium sheets are produced at POSCO’s magnesium plant, located in Suncheon, Jeonnam Province, where the ultra-thin warm-rolling technology is secured. As Ssangyong Motor successfully implemented the magnesium diaphragm speaker to their new ‘Korando C’, they are considering the application of the magnesium diaphragm for other automobiles in the future.

More Applications of POSCO’s Magnesium Sheet in the Auto Industry
Last September, prior to ‘Korando C’, POSCO has already conducted a joint development with Renault Samsung Motors for magnesium sheet auto parts. In fact, POSCO’s magnesium sheet was applied to ‘New SM7 Nova’, specifically where the back seat and the trunk meet, largely contributing to vehicle weight reduction. Being the world’s first case of automobile application, POSCO’s magnesium sheet reduced up to 2.2 kg by replacing the previous component of 3.6 kg with the magnesium piece that weighs only 1.4 kg. Since the outstanding quality of the magnesium sheet has been confirmed through POSCO’s current step into the automobile market, POSCO is planning to accelerate development of the magnesium sheets for television and audio in the upcoming future.

What is SkyCube? 

SkyCube will provide an accessible means of transportation to experience the great natural surroundings found in Suncheon. Suncheon Eco Trans’ SkyCube was made possible through investments between POSCO and Suncheon City’s Private Enterprise Investment Agreement. As the nation’s first PRT, it is a big deal. SkyCube runs for 4.64 km from Suncheon’s Dream Bridge to Suncheon’s Literature Center. The path that it runs is surrounded by the beautiful scenery of Suncheon.

Pictured here: PRT car passing through the track

SkyCube has a total of 40 cubicles and is a unique system in that it allows the surrounding environment to be preserved. The implications of these benefits may prove to be beneficial for transportation systems built in the future.

Reasons to Visit Suncheon

 Pictured here: PRT routes in Suncheon that preserve the natural environment

Suncheon is a unique wetland ecosystem that needs to be preserved as much as possible. SkyCube passengers can enjoy superb views of Suncheon. The area in which SkyCube runs is a vast natural wetlands area with 120 native marsh plants and over 240 species of migratory birds. It is currently registered within the Ramsar Convention which is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable utilization of wetlands. In 2006, the Korean Tourism Organization selected Suncheon as one of the top 5 wetlands in the world.

Pictured here: Suncheon Bay Garden (Photo from http://bit.ly/PJSJTB)

Besides, Suncheon Bay Garden, which opened on April 20, became a landmark after successfully completing the very first Korean garden festival, ‘Suncheon Bay Garden Expo 2013’. Suncheon Bay Garden consists of Cypress Forest and Autumn Tint Path and more, divided into sections in accordance to the tree species and features various themed attractions such as Meditation Path and Meditation Place. While there are many places to visit throughout the Korean peninsula, many people recommend the ‘ecological tourist travel course’ in Suncheon.  

Pictured here: Suncheon Eco Trans opening ceremony

What is the Significance of SkyCube?

In January 2011, POSCO and Suncheon signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the basis of jointly developing technology for the nation’s unique state-of-the-art transportation system. A test track was set up in Sweden and the system performance was verified to meet the safety requirements of northern Europe. The culmination of these efforts was precisely “SkyCube”.

 Pictured here: Beautiful natural scenery as scene from the PRT

The technology behind SkyCube is more economical compared to former technologies as the train can be controlled 24 hours without human involvement. With the same transportation capabilities, PRT are more cost-efficient in terms of construction as well as operating costs. SkyCube advantage is it is an eco-friendly solution since the PRT system runs on electric energy 100% and therefore does not generate exhaust emissions.

Moreover, polyurethane coated wheels were used in lieu of steel wheels in order to reduce noise and preserve the natural environment.

For these reasons, this state-of-the-art transportation technology seamlessly fits in with the natural ecosystem.

Pictured here: Internal arrangement of the PRT which is being seen as the future for eco-friendly transportation

The Advantages of the PRT System

Pictured here: PRT cars waiting at a station

PRT is an ecofriendly alternative to the regular public transport system. The system covers all necessary elements for the best green transportation solution including punctuality, safety, reliability, accessibility and privacy. Installation and operation is possible even in urban areas and short interval stops, with distance of 1 to 2 minutes, is achievable.

Unlike existing public transportation that runs on predetermined timetables, PRT runs based on passenger needs. At times when there are not many passengers, empty cars will wait before passing through stops and during rush hours, nearby cars will be called to meet service needs. Passengers do not need to wait over one minute for the PRT. Like taxis, passengers can get on the PRT and travel to their final destination without making stops in between. Passengers can have their privacy and travel within efficient timeframes.

System installation costs about 1/10^th of the cost it takes to build subway systems. They are also 1/3^rd the cost of light rail train systems and capacity is about the same. Because operation of PRT is automatic, cost efficiency is high and costs can be further reduced if cars are not operated when there are no passengers. PRT is an advantageous solution for development of new cities or new routes or advancements to existing routes.

Capable of being constructed with 90cm of concrete, 60cm of steel, the PRT tracks have the flexibility to be installed on main roads as well as sharp curves.

Pictured here: SkyCube passing through a station

Foreign PRT Systems

First developed in the 1970s, a small track rail system for 20 people was developed at Morgantown West Virginia University. PRT (Personal Rapid Transition) and GRT (Group Rapid Transition) were used as routes to connect the college campus with the city.

This was followed by further developments in Japan, France and Germany. Of these, the Cabintaxi developed in Hamburg, Germany, was the most advanced. The Cabintaxi developed in 1970 was in commercialization stage in 1980 however due to German government budget issues, the full development was postponed indefinitely.

By 1990, the PRT was a step closer to becoming fully commercial, but was not readily available still. Many studies were in place, however many were stopped. Systems under current operation were ULTra in England and 2getthere in Netherlands.

Thus, SkyCube is a superior operating system that supplies electricity to the track by using a third rail. In addition, compared to competing systems, it has already received safety system certification and is recognized in the world market for excellence and responsiveness.

On October 16^th, on the Yi Sun-sin Bridge of Gwangyang-si of Jeollanamdo Province, the Yi Sun-sin road to national salvation, ‘New Nanjung Camp’ started on a 4-day 3-night journey.

Just as Admiral Yi Sun-sin overcame hardships and adverse circumstances with an undying will, this camp was designed to grow a mind of loyalty, love for the people, and leadership for teenagers who will become leaders of the future in a time of current adverse economic situations and strongly changing society and culture.

Vice President Hwang Eunyeong and Gwangyang Steelworks High School Principal Kim Seongjeong congratulated and encouraged the 282 second year students who are participating in the camp.

The high school students are spending 4 days and 3 nights, starting at the home of Son Gyeongrye in Jinju, Gyeongnam Province, where Admiral Yi Sun-sin received his notice of reappointment as the controller of the naval forces of the three provinces (Chungcheong-do, Jeolla-do, Gyeongsang-do), visiting Gurye where the Joseon naval forces rallied, Gokseong, Suncheon, Boseong, and Jangheung, and on to Wusuyeong where the Myeongryang Naval Battle which played an important role in reclaiming command of the sea took place, visiting the sites where Admiral Yi Sun-sin walked down the path of saving the nation and learning of his mentality of indomitable challenge, venerable mind of sacrifice, and leadership to overcome hardships. Particularly, 37㎞ of the 620㎞including the Jirisan hiking trail, village roads, and oceanside roads is traversed on foot, providing the opportunity to ruminate on the mentality of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, who never lost hope amidst difficult times and rebuilt the naval forces of Joseon.

Vice President Hwang Eungyeon in his commemorative speech said, “The New Nanjung Camp is a long march program that was designed to help you grow a strong will that does not fall to pieces even in adverse situations or under distress, based on the mentality of Admiral Yi Sun-sin who controlled the naval forces of Joseon which had previously fallen apart.  I hope that you can all gain the wisdom and courage to grow a challenging spirit and overcome difficulties as you walk down the same path that Admiral Yi Sun-shin followed with the fate of the country on his shoulders, but grew a flower of hope despite the difficult reality.”

High school students who arrived at the auto-camping site in Gokseong after the first day of the trip said, “I understood Admiral Yi Sun-sin vaguely as a hero who won many naval battles, but this was an opportunity to experience the many difficulties Admiral Yi Sun-sin faced and had to overcome to save the country, displaying great will.”

The second day starts at the site of Neungpajeong to Suncheon Nammun Gate and ends in Nakan Hanggyo and Nakan-Eupseong, while the third day is a march from the site of Joyangchang where the national storehouse of the Joseon Era was located to Hoeryeongjinseong of Jangheung where the ‘resolution of Hoeryeongpo’ took place.  On the 4^th and final day, members will gather at the starting point on the Yi Sun-sin Bridge in Gwangyang for a ceremony of awards and disbanding, closing the long march.

POSCO multiplied the education effect by additionally preparing interesting missions and contest programs to ruminate on the noble mind of Admiral Yi Sun-sin at major footholds of the New Nanjung Camp.