- MSIT announces a strategic plan to advance Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) technologies
- Over 150 experts from industry, academia, and research institutes gather to explore CCU industrialization strategies
On April 4 (Friday), the Ministry of Science and ICT (Minister: Yoo Sang-im, hereinafter referred to as “MSIT”) held the launch ceremony for the “Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) Initiative” at the Korea Science and Technology Center in Seoul. The event was attended by more than 150 participants, including First Vice Minister Lee Chang-yune, as well as experts from major domestic companies, research institutes, and academia.
Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) is a technology that captures carbon dioxide (CO₂) emitted from greenhouse gas sources such as industrial activity or from the atmosphere, and converts it into useful materials for daily life and economic activities. CCU offers a two-fold benefit: it contributes to carbon neutrality by reducing CO₂, the main culprit of global warming, while also enabling the production of high-value-added products that can serve as the foundation for next-generation industries.
※The global CCU market is projected to reach approximately KRW 800 trillion by 2040 (Lux Research, 2021)
In particular, CCU is considered one of the only viable options for large-scale CO₂ reduction in hard-to-abate industries such as cement and petrochemicals. Accordingly, advanced economies like the United States and the European Union are actively working to commercialize CCU technologies by offering subsidies and tax incentives, and supporting demonstration projects.
In line with these global trends, MSIT launched the Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) Initiative, which includes a corporate-centered consultative body that collaborates with industry, academia, and research institutions to apply CCU technologies across key sectors such as petrochemicals, cement, and steel. The initiative also aims to incorporate these discussions into future laws, regulations, and policy frameworks.
During the launch event, MSIT also unveiled the Action Plan for Advancing Carbon Capture and Utilization Technologies and Industries, which outlines a science and technology-driven approach to accelerating the transition toward a carbon-neutral society. The plan focuses on two main pillars: technology development and industrial advancement.
Technology development efforts will be structured into short- and mid-to-long-term phases to ensure timely acquisition of core technologies.
In the short term, MSIT plans to:
1.Designate and operate CCU Strategic Research Labs, and
2.Launch a Global Flagship Project for CCU.
The CCU Strategic Research Labs will consolidate national R&D capacity to secure global leadership in key technology areas and establish structured research-to-industry pipelines. The labs will focus on chemical conversion, biological conversion, mineral carbonation, and CO₂ reduction efficiency and economic assessment.
※ The Strategic Research Labs will serve as seedbeds for securing essential CCU technologies and managing the dissemination and application of research outcomes, with the goal of becoming Korea’s leading CCU research hubs.
In addition, recognizing that CCU is a global collaborative field, MSIT plans to pursue joint research and demonstration projects with leading countries through the Global Flagship Project, a new international initiative set to begin in 2025.
In the mid-to-long term, MSIT will:
1.Launch large-scale CCU demonstration projects, and
2.Strengthen efforts to develop next-generation CCU technologies.
Through these demonstration projects—coordinated among companies, local governments, and government-funded research institutes—MSIT aims to build a vertically integrated industrial ecosystem spanning CO₂ supply by high-emission companies to the final production of CCU-based products.
Given the challenges companies face in undertaking large-scale demonstrations in the early stages of market development, the government plans to prioritize CCU demonstrations in high-emission sectors such as oil refining, petrochemicals, cement, steel, and power generation. These projects are expected to serve as successful models that can be replicated by other companies, thereby promoting broader adoption of CCU technologies across the industry.
Furthermore, MSIT will step up support for the development of next-generation CCU technologies, including Direct Air Capture (DAC) and capture-free conversion technologies, to proactively secure core foundational technologies needed to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
In addition to technology development, MSIT is working to foster the CCU industry by establishing a regulatory framework based on the Act on the Capture, Transportation, Storage and Utilization of Carbon Dioxide (CCUS Act).
The Ministry is preparing detailed enforcement regulations that will clearly define the standards and procedures for certifying CCU technologies and products (Article 34 of the CCUS Act), as well as for designating specialized CCU enterprises (Article 35). These regulations will help streamline the process for companies entering the CCU industry.
Moreover, through the CCU Initiative, MSIT will continue to gather feedback from the private sector and enhance support measures for emerging CCU companies.
As part of the launch forum, a presentation on CCU technology trends was delivered by Lee Young-guk, President of the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, followed by case studies from Hanwha TotalEnergies Petrochemical and Parteck Corp. showcasing demonstration projects utilizing CCU technologies. A panel discussion was also held under the theme, “Policy Priorities for Promoting the CCU Industry.”
Vice Minister Lee emphasized, “Carbon neutrality is a mission we must accomplish to secure the future of coming generations. As we move toward this goal, the role of science and technology—particularly CCU—becomes increasingly crucial.”
He added, “MSIT will work in close partnership with the private sector to actively advance technology development, strengthen industrial infrastructure, and promote regulatory reform—all as part of the CCU Initiative.”
MSIT plans to operate the CCU Initiative as a permanent platform and will continue close consultation with industry, academia, and research experts to develop systems that support the industrialization of CCU technologies.
For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division (Phone: +82-44-202-4034, E-mail: msitmedia@korea.kr) of the Ministry of Science and ICT.
Please refer to the attached PDF