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RUEHBJ/AMEMBASSY BEIJING 6884
RUEHBK/AMEMBASSY BANGKOK 8197
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RHMFIUU/CHJUSMAGK SEOUL KOR

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 06 SEOUL 001773 
 
SENSITIVE 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR OES/IHB, OES/SAT, OES/PCI AND OES/EGC 
STATE FOR EAP/K, ISN/NESS AND STAS 
STATE PASS TO EPA FOR INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS 
WHITE HOUSE FOR OSTP AND CEQ 
DOE FOR INTERNATIONAL, NE, FE, AND EERE 
USDOC FOR 4400/MAC/EAP/OPB/ITA/TA 
USDOC FOR NIST 
HHS FOR OGHA 
HHS PASS TO NIH FOR FIC 
STATE PASS TO NSF FOR INTL PROGRAMS 
STATE PASS TO NRC FOR INTL PROGRAMS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: SENV EIND ENRG TBIO OEXC TRGY TSPA KGHG KFLU KS
SUBJECT: SEOUL ESTH UPDATE - OCTOBER 2009 
 
In This Issue 
 
-- Korea Ranks Ninth Largest CO2 Emitter 
-- Korea Jumps into Carbon Capture 
-- All Apartment Buildings to Be Built "Green" 
-- Government Challenges Automakers to Produce Electric Cars 
-- SK Energy Signs Hybrid Battery Deal with Daimler 
-- South Jeolla Province to Build Massive Wind Power Complex 
-- International Aeronautical Congress Focuses on Space Technology 
for Sustainable Peace and Progress 
-- NASA Administrator Advances U.S.-Korean Aerospace Cooperation 
-- NASA Astronaut and Assistant Administrator for Education Reach 
Out to Students 
-- Mass Vaccinations Begin amid Full-Fledged H1N1 Epidemic 
 
----------- 
Environment 
----------- 
 
Korea Ranks Ninth Largest CO2 Emitter 
------------------------------------- 
 
¶1. (SBU) Korea is the ninth largest emitter of carbon dioxide gas in 
the world, the government said on October 19, quoting a report using 
2007 data by the International Energy Agency (IEA).   The country 
ranked as the tenth largest CO2 emitter in an earlier report using 
2005 emissions data.  Korea's CO2 emissions have increased 113 
percent from 1990, the highest percentage growth rate among OECD 
member countries over that time period.  Total Korean CO2 emissions 
in 2007 were 488.7 million tons, a 9.3 percent increase over the 448 
million tons of CO2 emitted in 2005.  On a per capita basis, CO2 
emissions reached 10.1 tons in 2007, up from 9.3 tons per capita in 
¶2005. 
 
Korea Jumps into Carbon Capture 
------------------------------- 
 
¶2. (SBU) The government plans to invest 100 billion won (USD 86 
million) over a 5-year period in pursuit of technology to help 
capture and store carbon dioxide produced from factories and power 
plants over the next five years, the Ministry of Knowledge Economy 
announced on October 13.  The investment is a significant increase 
from current annual 14.5 billion won (USD 12.5 million) in public 
spending for carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology.  The 
government hopes to develop fundamental CCS technology for use at 
smaller power plants producing about 10 megawatts of electricity by 
2014 and plans to encourage a consortium of private companies to 
develop CCS technology for larger power plants producing over 500 
megawatts by 2015.  The Ministry also announced that the Korea 
Electric Power Corporation will also invest 1.4 trillion won (USD 
1.2 billion) by 2020 for building new power plants that emit 90 
percent less carbon dioxide than existing ones. 
 
All Apartment Buildings to Be Built "Green" 
------------------------------------------- 
 
¶3. (SBU) Every new apartment in Korea from now on must be built 
"green," the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs said 
in an October 13 press statement.  A revised Housing Act, which is 
to take effect in late October, would require contractors building 
 
SEOUL 00001773  002 OF 006 
 
 
housing complexes of 20 units or more to make them "green homes." 
The revision defines specific standards for the construction and was 
developed by the government to help conserve energy and reduce 
carbon emissions.  An apartment is defined as green if it uses 15 
percent or less energy, or leads to the emission of 15 percent or 
less carbon dioxide equivalents, than a normal home.  If the unit is 
60 square meters or smaller, the threshold is reduced from 15 to 10 
percent.  The Ministry said the installation of energy-conserving 
heating and electrical systems as well as the use of environmentally 
friendly home appliances will count toward the carbon dioxide 
calculations.  Green home certification will take place in the 
drafting phase before construction begins, but final appraisal is 
subject to a post-construction inspection. 
 
Government Challenges Automakers to 
Produce Electric Cars 
----------------------------------- 
 
¶4. (SBU) During a recent economic meeting chaired by President Lee 
Myung-bak, the Ministry of Knowledge Economy reported to the 
President an outline to get domestic automakers to mass-produce 
electric vehicles by 2011, two years ahead of the original plan. 
Although details have not been made public, the government said it 
will offer full support to the auto industry to speed up the mass 
production of electric vehicles, such as financial support for 
research and development including a 400 billion won (USD 340 
million) investment over the next 5 years to support development of 
high-performance batteries and other related systems  According to a 
domestic news article, the local auto industry is not in favor of 
the plan because of the major production changes they would be 
forced to introduce at short notice.  Hyundai Motor Company said it 
can meet the emission requirements of the United States, Europe and 
other major markets by improving upon its existing gasoline and 
diesel engines, by making lighter vehicles that burn less fuel, and 
by producing hybrid electric vehicles. 
 
¶5. (SBU) Separately, Hyundai Kia Automotive Group and the Korea 
Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) signed an MOU to jointly develop 
electric vehicles and battery chargers.  Hyundai Kia said it plans 
to have the electric vehicles ready for trial by August 2010 and to 
begin commercial production by 2011.  KEPCO will develop the battery 
chargers by August 2010 for use with the new vehicle.  Electric 
vehicles in general are expected at first to cost three to four 
times more than similar gasoline-powered cars largely due to the 
cost of the battery.  Experts predict, however, that advances in 
research and economies of scale will bring down battery costs 
dramatically over the next ten years. 
 
SK Energy Signs Hybrid 
Battery Deal with Daimler 
------------------------- 
 
¶6. (SBU) According to an October 25 local news report, the German 
automotive group Daimler has selected the Korean company SK Energy 
to supply it with lithium-ion batteries for hybrid electric vehicles 
produced by Daimler's Mitsubishi Fuso unit.  The Japan-based 
manufacturer, 85 percent owned by Daimler, has sold 190,000 hybrid 
buses and trucks since 2007.  The SK Energy deal is the latest in a 
series of agreements between Korean lithium-ion battery makers and 
major automobile manufacturers.  LG Chem earlier this year signed a 
 
SEOUL 00001773  003 OF 006 
 
 
contract to supply lithium-ion batteries to Hyundai-Kia Automotive 
Group and to the General Motors for its extended range electric 
vehicle the Chevy Volt.  Samsung SDI and the German auto parts 
supplier Bosch established SB Limotive in August as a joint venture 
specializing in batteries for electric cars.  The company has 
already won a contract to supply lithium-ion batteries for BMW 
between 2013 and 2020. 
 
South Jeolla Province to Build Massive 
Wind Power Complex 
-------------------------------------- 
 
¶7. (SBU) South Jeolla Province signed a contract with 26 companies 
and financial institutions on October 15 to build a massive 5 
gigawatt wind power complex along its southwestern coast and 
adjacent islands and seawaters.  The 26 firms, including wind power 
businesses, machinery manufacturers, and financial companies, will 
invest a total of 15.5 trillion won (USD 14 billion) over the next 
20 years to build the complex.  Separately, Hyundai Heavy Industries 
(HHI) has begun production of wind turbine generators at its new 
manufacturing facility, also located in South Jeolla Province, using 
licensed designs for turbine generators from American Superconductor 
Corporation through its Austrian subsidiary AMSC Windtec.  HHI is 
investing more than 880 billion won (USD 760 million) to develop the 
facility. 
 
-------------------- 
Science & Technology 
-------------------- 
 
International Aeronautical Congress Focuses on Space Technology for 
Sustainable Peace and Progress 
--------------------------------------------- ------- 
 
¶8. (SBU) The 60th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), held 
October 12-16 in Daejeon, drew some 3,000 people from 70 countries, 
including representatives of global space agencies, aerospace 
industry leaders, academics, experts and scientists to share 
information for furthering the development of space technology for 
sustainable peace and human progress. At the opening ceremony, 
President Lee Myung-bak underscored the importance of international 
collaboration in space research and development and said the Korean 
government is considering participating in the U.S.-led 
international lunar exploration program.  "Many countries have 
cooperated to carry out large-scale space projects such as the lunar 
exploration program, and there have been attempts to address global 
problems such as climate change and natural disasters by 
collaboratively utilizing satellite information," Lee said.  During 
its exhibition held in tandem with the conference, the U.S. National 
Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) displayed models of 
lunar modules, a space rocket, and a 4.7 kilogram moon rock. 
 
NASA Administrator Advances 
U.S.-Korean Aerospace Cooperation 
--------------------------------- 
 
¶9. (SBU) National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA) 
Administrator Charles Bolden, Jr. said at the 60th International 
Astronautical Congress in Daejeon that Korea has made noticeable 
strides with its robust space program by building satellites and 
 
SEOUL 00001773  004 OF 006 
 
 
launching a space rocket.  In meetings with the Ministry of 
Education, Science and Technology (MEST) and with the Korea 
Aerospace Research Institute, he said Korea has the potential to 
become an important partner of the United States in its efforts 
aimed at advancing exploration and technology for the peaceful use 
of space.  He said that future cooperative efforts could take place 
in a wide range of promising areas such as lunar exploration, 
satellites, space communications, aeronautics, earth science, as 
well as science education.  During Administrator Bolden's visit, 
NASA and MEST initialed a "Joint Report on Potential Opportunities 
for Enhanced Cooperation." 
 
NASA Astronaut and Assistant Administrator 
for Education Reach Out to Students 
------------------------------------------ 
 
¶10. (SBU) In addition to participating in the IAC during their visit 
to Korea, NASA Astronaut Janet Kavandi and NASA Assistant 
Administrator for Education Joyce Winterton had a lively roundtable 
discussion with leading female scientists in the field of astronomy 
and spoke with groups of Korean students.  Astronaut Kavandi spoke 
to approximately 100 science students at the U.S. Embassy Public 
Affairs Office on her experiences as an astronaut.  Dr. Kavandi also 
spoke at the Daejeon Christian International School and participated 
in a number of public space education events in Daejeon. Assistant 
Administrator Winterton spoke with teachers and students at Hanyang 
University on "Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Challenges" 
and met with science education policy makers and educators where 
information was shared and exchanged on NASA science and math 
education programs.  She also traveled to Busan where she lectured 
at the Busan Science High School.  Her talk proved so popular that 
the High School is sending approximately 90 students to the Goddard 
Space Flight Center in November where NASA will host their visit and 
tour. 
 
------ 
Health 
------ 
 
Mass Vaccinations Begin amid 
Full-Fledged H1N1 Epidemic 
---------------------------- 
 
¶11. (SBU) Approximately 60,000 newly confirmed H1N1 infections were 
reported in Korea the week of October 25, bringing the country's 
total cumulative case count since May to over 100,000.  The total 
number of H1N1-related deaths reached 45 as of November 4, which 
still represents a low mortality rate.  The Ministry of Health, 
Welfare and Family Affairs began immunizing health care service 
personnel on October 27, the first of several defined vulnerable 
groups to be vaccinated in a program aimed at vaccinating 35 percent 
of the population, or approximately 17 million people.  School-aged 
children are the next vulnerable group to begin free vaccinations 
starting from November 11 until the end of December.  The 
vaccination of students is critical step in controlling the spread 
of the disease since more than 75 percent of new cases in the month 
of October were diagnosed in this group.  As of November 2, more 
than 500 elementary, middle or high schools (approximately ten 
percent of the total number of schools in Korea) had temporarily 
shut their doors.  The vaccination program will continue with 
 
SEOUL 00001773  005 OF 006 
 
 
children over 6 months old and pregnant women receiving shots 
between mid-December and early January at clinics or hospitals of 
their choice, where each vaccination will cost 15,000-30,000 won 
(USD 13-26).  The last priority groups consist of the elderly, 
chronically ill patients registered with the National Health 
Insurance Corp, the police, and military personnel.  They will begin 
receiving vaccinations after January 1.  Meanwhile, those not 
included in a priority group can start getting shots by mid-January. 
  The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said 
the vaccination program is being conducted in stages using vaccines 
as soon as they are produced by domestic pharmaceutical company 
Green Cross Corporation. 
 
------- 
Profile 
------- 
 
Korea Aerospace Research Institute 
---------------------------------- 
 
¶12. (SBU) The Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), located in 
Daejeon, in central Korea, was founded in October 1989 and charged 
with performing basic and applied research in aerospace technology 
and carrying out the nation's aeronautics and space programs.  KARI 
operates the Naro Space Center, located on Oenaro Island on the 
southwestern coast 485 kilometers south of Seoul.  Opened in August 
with final construction completed November 4, and built largely with 
Russian technology, the Naro Center includes a launch pad and 
landing field, a control tower, facilities for rocket and satellite 
assembly and testing, a media center, and an electric power 
station. 
 
¶13. (SBU) KARI launched its first satellite, the Korea Multi-Purpose 
Satellite (KOMPSAT-1), in 1999.  It launched KOMPSAT-2 in 2006. 
KARI is currently developing the Korea Multi-Purpose Satellite 3 and 
5 (KOMPSAT-3 & 5).  The goal of KOMPSAT-3, which is scheduled to be 
launched in late 2011, is to provide continuous satellite earth 
observation via high-resolution electro-optical images.  It will be 
equipped with a Multi-Spectral Camera, able to acquire 1 meter 
resolution panchromatic images for surveillance of massive natural 
disasters, utilization of mineral resources, construction of a 
Geographic Information System, and cartography.  KOMPSAT-5, slated 
for launch in 2010, will use a synthetic aperture radar and operate 
at an altitude of 685 km in a sun-synchronous orbit to execute all 
day weather and earth observations of the Korean Peninsula for 
environmental, agricultural and oceanographic monitoring 
applications during its 5-year mission. 
 
¶14. (SBU) KARI developed single-stage and two-stage scientific 
sounding rockets in KARI developed single- and two-stage scientific 
sounding rockets in 1993 and 1998 respectively.  It is currently 
implementing the Korea Space Launch Vehicle (KSLV) Program, 
consisting of two low-earth orbit launch vehicles -- KSLV-1 & 2.  In 
August this year, KARI launched KSLV-1 with a 100 kg scientific 
satellite, but failed to place the satellite in its intended orbit. 
 KARI plans to attempt to launch the same model KSLV-1 again in May 
¶2010.  KSLV-2, which will carry a 1.5 ton payload, is scheduled for 
launch in 2017.  KARI is undertaking two other major aircraft R&D 
programs -- the Korean Helicopter Development Program and the Smart 
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Development Program. KARI also conducts 
 
SEOUL 00001773  006 OF 006 
 
 
research in several other aerospace and aeronautics fields such as 
remote sensing, aerodynamics, navigation and control, and aerospace 
safety. 
 
STEPHENS