SK Energy Receives Ministry of Environment Certification for 'Greenhouse Gas Reduction External Project' Utilizing Medium-Temperature Asphalt

Lowering Production Temperature by 30°C Compared to Existing Ascon
Expected Reduction of 1kg CO2 per 1t Ascon Produced

Asphalt road paving scene. Photo is not directly related to the article.

SK Energy has opened the path to securing carbon emission credits by producing asphalt concrete mixtures using its independently developed ‘medium-temperature asphalt.’

On the 9th, SK Energy announced that from the 5th of this month, the Ministry of Environment has begun certifying carbon reduction for the external project titled ‘Reduction of fuel and greenhouse gases through domestic production of medium-temperature asphalt concrete mixtures.’ Asphalt concrete mixtures are commonly known as ‘Ascon,’ a road paving construction material.

Medium-temperature Ascon lowers the production temperature of Ascon, which was previously around 160~170 degrees Celsius, by about 30 degrees. This reduces the required fuel and electricity consumption by approximately 20~30%. For every 1 ton of Ascon produced, about 1 kg of carbon dioxide (CO2) can be reduced. Additionally, low-temperature paving enables shorter road construction periods and minimizes traffic congestion. When paving the surface layer of a 1 km long, four-lane road (two lanes each way), it results in a CO2 reduction of 1.6 tons compared to the conventional method.

SK Energy and Inwoo Ascon, a specialized Ascon production company, have been proceeding with related procedures since last year to produce medium-temperature Ascon and secure carbon offset credits (KOC). They registered after receiving approval for the external project methodology from the Ministry of Environment in January last year and obtained final approval from the Ministry’s review committee in June this year. This is the first time that an SK Innovation affiliate has received approval for an external project plan to secure KOC domestically.

An external project is a greenhouse gas reduction project executed by an external company that is not a designated entity under the emissions trading scheme. To conduct an external project, one must apply for and receive approval for the project plan according to a methodology approved by the Ministry of Environment. Although SK Energy produces the medium-temperature asphalt, the companies specializing in Ascon use it for road paving, so external project certification is required. SK Energy plans to start with Inwoo Ascon and expand the number of medium-temperature Ascon trading companies in the future to enhance the carbon reduction effect.

Noh Sang-gu, Head of Strategy and Operations at SK Energy, said, "Through the medium-temperature asphalt external project, SK Energy’s carbon reduction efforts can be carried out in cooperation with the Ascon industry," adding, "To reduce carbon emissions, SK Energy will continue to discover and expand related projects with domestic and international stakeholders."

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