The government is launching a large-scale demonstration project to utilize carbon dioxide (CO₂) as a resource. The core of the initiative is to verify technologies for converting greenhouse gases into fuel in cooperation with the industrial sector.

The Ministry of Science and ICT announced on the 24th that it held a kick-off meeting for the 'CCU (Carbon Capture Utilization) Mega Project' at the Korea Energy Research Institute.

The CCU mega-project is a project that captures CO₂ generated from greenhouse gas-heavy emitting industries such as power generation and steel, and converts it into high-value-added resources such as aviation fuel and methanol. The project period is from 2026 to 2030, and approximately 238 billion won in state funds will be invested.

By sector, it is divided into the power generation sector and the steel sector.

In the power generation sector, LG Chem is participating to demonstrate sustainable aviation fuel (e-SAF) production technology utilizing CO₂ from thermal power plants.

In the steel sector, POSCO Holdings is participating to demonstrate CO₂-based syngas and ship fuel production technology.

The government also reviewed DAC technology, which directly captures CO₂ from the air, and technology that converts CO₂ into synthetic crude oil.

DAC is a method of directly capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, while synthetic fuel conversion technology is a technology that converts captured CO₂ into fuel by reacting it with hydrogen.

This project is significant not only for reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also for securing energy resources.

The government stated that if CCU technology spreads to industrial sites, it is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 600,000 tons annually by 2035. It was also predicted that it could play a role in reducing dependence on crude oil.

The Ministry of Science and ICT explained that it is strengthening the industrial foundation by expanding support for CCU-related research and development and demonstration, as well as operating industry consultative bodies and establishing certification systems.

The government announced plans to promote the commercialization and industrial expansion of CCU technology through future public-private cooperation.