Carbon Neutrality: Biotechnological Solution for Korean Industries
In the pursuit of carbon neutrality, transitioning our manufacturing-focused industrial structure has proven to be no easy task. However, a breakthrough technology that biologically treats carbon dioxide emissions from factories through the use of microalgae has been introduced for the first time in Gyeongnam, South Korea.
Located on the roof of a factory in Yangsan, this innovative system features dark green water columns constantly bubbling up. These water columns serve as a conduit for the collection of carbon dioxide emitted by the factory. Within these green water columns, microalgae efficiently utilize carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, while spiraling through a tube exposed to sunlight.
This facility results from over a year of research conducted by the internal enterprise team of the Korea Environment Corporation. By proving that microalgae can consume 1.8 grams of carbon dioxide per 1 gram of their biomass, the team validates the actual carbon reduction potential documented in the literature.
In April, the government unveiled the Carbon Neutrality Master Plan, which aims to reduce 11.2 million tonnes of CO2 emissions through the implementation of carbon capture technologies by 2030. Within the current manufacturing-oriented industrial structure, carbon capture technology has been identified as a key strategy to achieve carbon neutrality.
Traditional approaches to carbon capture, such as storing carbon dioxide underground or converting it into chemical products, have incurred astronomical costs due to the need for large-scale sites and facilities. However, the biological carbon reduction technology utilizing microalgae can be conveniently placed in close proximity to carbon dioxide emission points. Furthermore, the microalgae produced through this process can be repurposed as fuel or fertilizer, adding an additional layer of sustainability.
With an estimated annual carbon consumption of 2.1 tonnes, equivalent to the amount absorbed by 14 30-year-old pine trees in a year, this facility proves to be an efficient and environmentally friendly solution. Solar energy is utilized to power the facility, and environmentally friendly elements are introduced through the use of waste water.
Looking ahead, the Korea Environment Corporation plans to verify the effectiveness of the demonstration facility by September. Additionally, they aim to process the microalgae produced into fertilizer, providing it to the local community.
This groundbreaking biotechnological advancement signifies a major stride towards achieving carbon neutrality in Korean industries. The Korea Environment Corporation continues to research and analyze viable approaches to ensure economic feasibility and disseminate these solutions to other businesses.
By Kim Hyo-kyung, KBS News
Cinematographer: Hyunjin Choi
Graphics: Boomin Park
[앵커]
Carbon neutrality is not an option, but essential, but our industrial structure, which is focused on manufacturing, is not an easy task to achieve carbon neutrality.
A new technology that biologically treats carbon dioxide produced from factories into microalgae was introduced for the first time in Korea in Gyeongnam.
This is reporter Kim Hyo-kyung.
[리포트]
On the roof of a factory in Yangsan, columns of dark green water bubble up non-stop.
Carbon dioxide from the factory collects and enters the water column.
Microalgae in the green water column meet carbon dioxide and use carbon dioxide by photosynthesizing in sunlight while going around in a spiral tube.
This facility was introduced after over a year of research by the internal enterprise team of the Korea Environment Corporation.
[유병택/한국환경공단 과장 : “미세조류 1g당 1.8g의 이산화탄소를 소비한다라고 돼 있고요. 실증화 시설을 통해서 실질적으로 문헌에 나오는 (탄소 저감) 수치만큼 나오는지, 그것을 증명해보려고….”]
In April, the government announced that it would reduce 11.2 million tonnes of CO2 through carbon capture technologies by 2030 through the Carbon Neutrality Master Plan.
In the manufacturing-oriented industrial structure, carbon capture technology has been referred to as a key strategy for carbon neutrality.
Meanwhile, the method of capturing carbon dioxide in the ground or turning it into a chemical product required astronomical costs because it required a large site and a large facility.
On the other hand, biological carbon reduction technology using microalgae can be placed close to the carbon dioxide emission target.
In addition, microalgae produced in this process can be reused as fuel or fertiliser.
The facility is expected to use 2.1 tonnes of carbon per year, which is the amount absorbed by 14 30-year-old pine trees in a year.
When operating the facility, electricity was supplied with solar energy and environmentally friendly elements were added through the use of waste water.
[안병옥/한국환경공단 이사장 : “경제성을 확보할 수 있는 방안 이런 것들을 더 연구하고 분석해서 다른 사업장에도 확산시키는 것이 1차적인 목표라고 볼 수 있고요.”]
The Korea Environment Corporation plans to verify the effectiveness of the demonstration facility by September, and will process the microalgae into fertilizer and provide it to the local community.
This is KBS News Kim Hyo-kyung.
Cinematographer: Hyunjin Choi/Graphics: Boomin Park
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