South Korea is ramping up its efforts toward carbon neutrality with the announcement of its latest CCU (carbon capture and utilization) initiative. On October 22, the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) revealed the results of its nationwide competition to select sites for the highly anticipated “CCU Megaproject” aimed at significantly reducing the country’s greenhouse gas emissions.
The final list includes Yeosu, Seosan, Gangneung, Samcheok, Pohang, and Boryeong—locations spread across key industrial regions. This project will focus on the development and demonstration of large-scale CCU technologies, marking a major step in South Korea’s broader climate strategy.
A Nationwide Site Selection for Carbon Innovation
After months of rigorous evaluation, the MSIT has identified six locations across South Korea for the establishment of CCU demonstration sites. These areas are well-known industrial hubs, making them suitable for implementing and testing the innovative technologies that will be the backbone of the CCU Megaproject.
- Yeosu, South Jeolla Province – Near the GS Caltex 2nd Plant.
- Seosan, South Chungcheong Province – Within the Hanwha TotalEnergies business area.
- Gangneung and Samcheok, Gangwon Province – Halla Cement, Sampyo Cement, and East-West Power sites.
- Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province – Inside the Pohang Steelworks complex.
- Boryeong, South Chungcheong Province – Korea Midland Power’s coal storage site.
The selection process for these sites was intense. Between June and July, 27 consortia submitted proposals to demonstrate CCU technologies. Each proposed site was thoroughly investigated through on-site evaluations by the selection committee, which ultimately determined the suitability of each location for this groundbreaking project.
How CCU Technology Works
CCU technology stands at the forefront of reducing carbon emissions. It works by capturing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emitted from industrial processes and power generation facilities and converting it into usable substances. These substances, including methanol, olefins, and ethylene carbonate, have practical industrial applications, making this technology a potential game-changer for industries looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
By converting waste CO₂ into valuable chemicals, CCU provides a dual benefit—both reducing harmful emissions and creating products that can be reintroduced into the economy.
Breaking Economic Barriers with CCU
One of the major hurdles facing CCU technology, despite its promise, is economic feasibility. The process of capturing and converting carbon has historically been expensive, and commercializing the technology on a wide scale has remained elusive. The MSIT is keenly aware of these challenges, with Vice Minister Lee Chang-yoon emphasizing the importance of turning the tide on this issue.
“We hope to overcome these limitations and spread the technology to the private sector by creating successful cases through this project,” said Lee. The CCU Megaproject aims to address these economic concerns by demonstrating the technology’s viability in real-world industrial environments. Successful implementation in South Korea could open the door for global adoption.
South Korea’s Larger Carbon Neutrality Vision
This CCU initiative is part of a much broader effort by South Korea to address its environmental impact, particularly as the country’s heavy manufacturing industries are responsible for a significant portion of carbon emissions. The move toward carbon neutrality is not just a national goal—it’s a global commitment. South Korea has pledged to align itself with international efforts to curb climate change by significantly cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
The MSIT’s announcement follows the strategic direction set by the “Carbon Dioxide Capture and Utilization Technology Advancement Strategy (draft)” confirmed in December 2023. This strategy focuses on forming a comprehensive value chain for CCU technology that covers everything from capture to commercialization.
Countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan have already made substantial investments in CCU technologies, recognizing their role in achieving net-zero goals. With the launch of the CCU Megaproject, South Korea aims to become a leader in this space, positioning itself alongside these nations at the forefront of the carbon-capture movement.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the CCU Megaproject?
The CCU Megaproject is scheduled to move into its full-scale phase starting in 2026, pending the results of a preliminary feasibility study. In the meantime, the MSIT will refine its research and development tasks, tailoring them to the needs of each selected site to maximize the project’s impact.
While the project is still in its early stages, the expectation is that it will create a ripple effect throughout South Korea’s industrial sector. Demonstrating the economic viability of CCU technology could pave the way for widespread adoption, potentially transforming the way industries manage their carbon emissions.
In the long term, South Korea’s CCU initiative could serve as a model for other countries grappling with their own industrial emissions. The global race toward carbon neutrality is heating up, and South Korea is positioning itself as a serious contender with its latest push to develop and implement CCU technology on a national scale.
