OMNI Features｜Infineon Technologies and MOEA Launch Automotive and Wireless Communication Semiconductor R&D Center in Taiwan．Carnot Battery Seminar Promotes the Future of Global Energy Storage．Root Energy's "Yeongdeok-gun Onshore Wind Power Project" Fund Invites Local Investors

｜Infineon Technologies and MOEA Launch Automotive and Wireless Communication Semiconductor R&D Center in Taiwan
On the 17th, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) and Infineon Technologies, a global automotive semiconductor leader, announced the establishment of the "Automotive and Wireless Communication Semiconductor R&D Center" in Taiwan at the German Trade Office Taipei. This initiative involves a total investment of NT$1.2 billion and is expected to generate an additional NT$2.7 billion in investments, driving Taiwan's electric vehicle industry's value to exceed NT$60 billion. This is the first R&D center established in Taiwan by a major European chip manufacturer, highlighting Taiwan's rising influence in the semiconductor and automotive chip sectors.

Infineon Technologies, the world's largest automotive chip producer and a leader in power systems and IoT semiconductors, will transfer advanced automotive Bluetooth chip technology to Taiwan for research and production. This center will strengthen collaboration between international automotive electronics experts and domestic vehicle manufacturers, automotive electronics firms, and academic institutions. The research will focus on wireless Battery Management Systems (BMS), next-generation smart cockpits, and intelligent vehicle access systems, helping local companies meet stringent automotive standards and enter the global market.

With the support of the MOEA's "Infineon Advanced Automotive and Wireless Communication Semiconductor Development Partnership Project," Taiwan's existing "Wireless Communication R&D Laboratory" will be upgraded to the "Infineon Advanced Automotive and Wireless Communication Semiconductor R&D Center." This center will work with local industry and academic partners to develop automotive-grade communication chips and innovative application solutions.

｜Efficient and Affordable: 'Carnot Battery' Seminar Promotes the Future of Global Energy Storage
On May 17th (Friday), the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) held a workshop at its main headquarters in Daejeon. The Carnot Battery workshop was attended by over 70 experts from industry, academia, research institutions, and government, including the Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning (KETEP) and Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO).

During the workshop, KIER introduced the low-cost, high-temperature thermal storage media technology, a key component of the Carnot Battery, and presented a vision for applying thermal storage systems to decommissioned power plants. The Carnot Battery utilizes electric heaters or heat pumps to transform renewable electricity into high-temperature thermal energy (over 600°C), which is subsequently stored in thermal media like stone, sand, or metal. The stored energy can be converted back into electricity when needed. Although currently in the early stages of development, it is expected to store large amounts of power for over 10 hours while maintaining low operating costs comparable to pumped hydro storage. As a result, active research is being conducted worldwide.

｜Root Energy's "Yeongdeok-gun Onshore Wind Power Project" Fund Invites Local Investors
Root Energy, a social enterprise focusing on renewable energy, plans to launch the "Onshore Wind Power Project" fund for residents of Yeongdeok-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do. The 16.7 MW Yeongdeok-gun onshore wind power project, jointly developed by TotalEnergies Group and Korea Middle Power Co Ltd (KOMIPO), is expected to commence commercial operations by the end of June.

This fund offers an 11% annual return, with a maximum individual investment limit of 10 million KRW. Any resident of Yeongdeok-gun can participate through the Root Fund platform. The estimated annual pre-tax income is up to 1.1 million KRW, with a potential total earning of 22 million KRW over 20 years. Investments are open to both individuals and local businesses.

Reference: MOEA｜Energy Daily｜Clean Technica