Government-Approved SK Energy Eco-Friendly Asphalt... "Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan Approved"

"Accelerating Carbon Neutrality in Ascon and Road Paving Projects"

A view of SK Innovation Ulsan Complex located in Gosa-dong, Nam-gu, Ulsan Metropolitan City. (Photo by SK Inno)

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] SK Energy, the refining business subsidiary of SK Innovation, has received government approval for its greenhouse gas reduction asphalt concrete technology under the external project methodology. This is expected to positively impact the acceleration of carbon neutrality efforts, revitalization of related industries, and SK Energy's ongoing eco-friendly asphalt sales business.

On the 4th, SK Energy announced that its "Medium-Temperature Asphalt Concrete Mixture (Ascon) Production for Fuel and Greenhouse Gas Reduction," developed for the first time in Korea, received approval from the Ministry of Environment for the external project methodology. External projects refer to greenhouse gas reduction projects carried out outside companies subject to the emissions trading scheme, which includes 684 designated companies. To conduct an external project, approval of the project plan must be obtained based on a methodology approved by the Ministry of Environment.

The process of paving a road with asphalt. (Photo by Asia Economy DB)

SK Energy produces three types of asphalt products: "Premium," "Polymer Modified," and "Recycled Dedicated." The product approved this time is the asphalt concrete made with Premium asphalt. Using this medium-temperature Ascon allows production and construction at 125~135℃, about 30℃ lower than conventional Ascon, reducing fuel input and electricity consumption to approximately 70%. This results in a carbon dioxide reduction effect of about 6~7 kg per ton (t) during the asphalt construction process. Inducing low-temperature paving shortens road construction periods, helping reduce carbon emissions caused by traffic congestion.

SK Energy and Ascon companies expect to significantly reduce carbon emissions by increasing the production and construction of medium-temperature Ascon. Sanggu Noh, Head of Strategy and Operations at SK Energy R&S CIC (Refining & Synergy Company-Invested Company), said, "With this approval, we expect to contribute to the activation of the domestic medium-temperature Ascon and road paving industry and accelerate the carbon neutrality efforts of related industries. SK Energy will take the lead in continuously expanding low- and decarbonization-related businesses to achieve carbon neutrality."

SK Energy is accelerating its eco-friendly asphalt business, having announced on October 31 last year plans to expand the domestic eco-friendly asphalt sales ratio for road use from the current 30% level to 100% by 2030.

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