- Ministry of Science and ICT reviews direct air capture technology and CO2-to-crude oil conversion

- Kickoff meeting held for large-scale public-private demonstration project 'CCU Mega Project'

A demonstration of technology to convert CO2 into synthetic crude oil. [Ministry of Science and ICT]
A demonstration of technology to convert CO2 into synthetic crude oil. [Ministry of Science and ICT]

The government is moving to commercialize carbon capture and utilization technology that captures carbon dioxide from the air and converts it into jet fuel and synthetic gas.

The Ministry of Science and ICT held a kickoff meeting Wednesday for the "CCU Mega Project," a large-scale demonstration initiative developed in partnership with private companies including LG Chem and Posco Holdings.

The CCU Mega Project is a public-private demonstration effort linking the capture of carbon dioxide emitted by high-emission industries — such as power generation and steelmaking — with its conversion into high-value products including jet fuel and methanol. A total of 238 billion won ($155 million) will be invested through 2030.

In the power generation sector, LG Chem will serve as the lead institution, demonstrating technology to produce sustainable aviation fuel (e-SAF) using greenhouse gases emitted by thermal power plants. In the steel sector, Posco Holdings will lead efforts to produce synthetic gas and eco-friendly marine fuel from greenhouse gases generated by the steel industry, with both tracks set to complete demonstration by 2030.

If CCU technology spreads across industry through the project, it is expected to partially replace fuel and raw material production that has long depended on crude oil imports, reducing South Korea's reliance on overseas resources.

Participants pose for a photo at the kickoff meeting for the CCU Mega Project. [Ministry of Science and ICT]
Participants pose for a photo at the kickoff meeting for the CCU Mega Project. [Ministry of Science and ICT]

At the meeting, the Ministry of Science and ICT reviewed research and development progress on direct air capture (DAC) technology — widely regarded as a next-generation capture method — as well as technology to convert captured carbon dioxide into synthetic crude oil.

CCU technology is considered a key tool for achieving South Korea's 2035 nationally determined contribution target — a reduction of around 400 million to 450 million tons — not merely by cutting industrial greenhouse gas emissions but by delivering real, measurable reductions.

The ministry has expanded its research, development and demonstration support to help bring CCU technology into industrial use. It has also worked to build an industry foundation by gathering input through the CCU Initiative, a company-led industry-academia-research consultative body, and by establishing a certification regime for CCU technologies and products as well as a system to designate specialized companies.

The ministry said it plans to expand technology development and demonstration investment through public-private cooperation to help grow the CCU industry, and will actively support the sector by incorporating industry feedback to help the technology take root.


nbgkoo@heraldcorp.com