LG Chem-KIST Collaborate to Develop Carbon Neutral Innovation Technologies Together

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Yoon-joo] The Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) and LG Chem are embarking on research, development, and commercialization of breakthrough technologies essential for achieving carbon neutrality.

On the 29th, LG Chem announced that it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with KIST at LG Science Park in Magok, Seoul, to jointly research and develop core technologies for carbon neutrality, including CCU (Carbon Capture and Utilization) and hydrogen energy.

Supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT, KIST is a domestic research institution possessing all fundamental technologies across the entire hydrogen cycle and CCU, conducting projects such as the 'Carbon to X Technology Development Project Group,' 'Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) Water Electrolysis Core Technology Research Group,' and 'LOHC-based Hydrogen Release System Core Technology Development Research Group.' LG Chem, with its extensive experience in commercializing research projects, leads in commercialization technologies such as economic feasibility assessment, demonstration, and scale-up of carbon neutrality technologies. The joint research and development by the two institutions is expected to accelerate the development of innovative technologies related to carbon neutrality.

Under this agreement, the two institutions plan to closely collaborate in three areas essential for realizing carbon neutrality: commercialization promotion, fundamental technology research and development, and talent cultivation related to CCU and hydrogen energy technologies.

In terms of commercialization, the plan is to convert CO₂ (carbon dioxide) into high-performance biodegradable plastics, CO (carbon monoxide), and other high value-added compounds. They will also review the potential and promote technology development starting with areas expected to create synergy, such as green hydrogen production without CO₂ emissions, raw materials, and utilization of thermal and electrical energy.

Additionally, they will jointly develop full-cycle hydrogen technologies such as green hydrogen production without CO₂ emissions, safe hydrogen production and raw materials using compounds, and utilization of thermal and electrical energy. These hydrogen technologies represent a key strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by replacing energy and raw materials in fossil fuel-based chemical processes. Furthermore, the two institutions plan to expand cooperation into various fields, including AI (Artificial Intelligence) and DX (Digital Transformation) technologies for developing core materials and processes.

The collaboration aligns with LG Chem’s interest in accelerating the restructuring of its business model based on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), moving beyond its traditional petrochemical business, and KIST’s interest in reorganizing into a Korean-style R&D execution system for challenging and innovative research. The two parties plan to promote close cooperative research through joint participation in national projects, establishment of joint research institutes, and commissioned research projects for fundamental technology R&D in CCU and hydrogen energy fields. For talent cultivation, they agreed to mutually cooperate through programs such as LG Chem researchers being dispatched to KIST for degree programs and hiring KIST research trainees who participated in research projects at LG Chem.

Yoo Ji-young, Vice President and CTO of LG Chem, stated, "Through the MOU with KIST, a leader in innovative carbon neutrality technologies in Korea, we have established a foothold to secure fundamental and commercialization technologies related to CCU and hydrogen energy, which require long-term research and development." She added, "LG Chem will accelerate ESG management by advancing related innovative technologies in cooperation with KIST."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.