Daesung chairman honored for eco-friendly energy biz

By Nam Hyun-woo

Daesung Group Chairman Kim Young-hoon won an Order of Industrial Service Merit for his contribution in expanding eco-friendly energy businesses in the country, the government said Tuesday.

According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, it awarded Kim a Silver Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit. Silver is the second highest in the five-class order of merit, given to people who have made significant contributions to national industry here.

The ministry said Kim won the honor for leading Daesung Group's introduction of high-efficiency community energy supply system in local communities, as well as recycling waste methane as fuel for heating. Also, he was recognized for his contribution to Korea's hosting of the World Energy Congress in 2013. Kim has been the chairman of the World Energy Council since 2016.

Along with Kim, Hanwha Q Cells Vice President Yoo Jae-yeol was awarded with an Iron Tower order of merit for the company's solid solar panel exports, and Hyundai Motor Vice President Kang Jeom-gi won a Tin Tower order of merit for his contribution to Hyundai Motor's development of the Nexo hydrogen fuel cell vehicle.

In total 110 people received awards at this year's Korea Energy Awards held by the ministry.