S-Oil Corporation inaugurated its technology development center (TS&D) at the Magok Industrial Complex in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, on Thursday. The company aims to leverage the center for research and development (R&D) in high-value-added petrochemical products and emerging energy sectors.

With an investment totaling 144.4 billion won ($112 million), the TS&D Center comprises an underground 2-story and above-ground 4-story building spanning 36,700 square meters.

Equipped with cutting-edge research facilities, office spaces, an auditorium, and information hall, the TS&D Center stands alongside the company’s Polymer Research Center and Lubricant Research Center, founded in 2017. Together, these facilities play a pivotal role in developing high-quality, high-value-added petrochemical and lubricant products and advancing technology in low-carbon new energy fields. The company will also continue to expand its research staff to bolster R&D capabilities.

The TS&D Center will assume a crucial role in enhancing technological capabilities in the olefin downstream sector, set to be produced via the Shaheen Project in 2026. The center will be tasked with the development and technical support for various products such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE).

The Shaheen Project stands as one of the largest-ever investments in Korea by Aramco, S-Oil’s largest shareholder, totaling 9.25 trillion won and aimed at constructing petrochemical facilities.

The TS&D Center plans to spearhead the development of technologies used in lubricants for electric and hydrogen vehicles, as well as fluids designed to lower temperatures in servers and electric vehicle batteries. S-Oil is also advancing its R&D in the clean hydrogen, ammonia, and biofuel sectors to prepare for decarbonization and energy transition.

Placing the TS&D Center in Seoul, where it is easy to attract top talent, underscores S-Oil’s anticipation to stabilize the technological competitiveness of the Shaheen project.

By Jung You-jung and Minu Kim

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