Project Overview
Chungnam province has received national approval to proceed with a demonstration plant that will transform captured carbon dioxide into synthetic sustainable aviation fuel. The thirty month design and permitting phase will begin next year, paving the way for construction in 2027 and first production in 2030. The initiative commands an investment of roughly ninety five million United States dollars and will be located in the coastal city of Boryeong adjacent to an existing wet carbon capture installation.
Technology Approach
Led by LG Chem, the consortium will capture approximately four thousand tonnes of carbon dioxide from a local coal fired power station operated by Korea Midland Power. Using renewable electricity, the carbon will be combined with green hydrogen generated on site to synthesise about seven hundred tonnes of eSAF per year. Partners include the Korea Institute of Science and Technology and HD Hyundai Oilbank, bringing together expertise in catalysis, hydrogen handling and fuel logistics.
Economic and Climate Upside
Local authorities anticipate annual economic activity of over three hundred million United States dollars once the process is scaled after 2034. The pilot plant will also provide valuable operational data that can shorten deployment timelines for future full scale facilities, supporting the national objective to halve emissions from 2018 levels by 2035.
Non Obvious Insight
Locating the eSAF unit beside a large carbon capture system reduces not only feedstock costs but also the energy penalty often associated with compressing and transporting carbon dioxide. This colocation model could become a blueprint for repurposing existing industrial sites rather than building entirely new infrastructure.
Conclusion
By connecting proven carbon capture technology with renewable hydrogen synthesis, Chungnam province is positioning South Korea at the forefront of advanced aviation fuel innovation while opening new avenues for regional economic growth.