"Biofuels Essential for Carbon Neutrality" 2023 International Symposium on Eco-friendly Fuels Held

"Necessary Until Transition to Zero-Emission Vehicles"

There was an opinion that biofuels, a type of renewable energy, should be utilized more actively to achieve carbon neutrality. The necessity to include bioethanol in the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which currently applies only to biodiesel, was also raised. During the transitional period of switching to electric and hydrogen vehicles, this fuel is considered the most realistic alternative.

The Korea Automobile Journalists Association, the U.S. Embassy in Korea, and the U.S. Grains Council held the "2023 International Symposium on Eco-friendly Fuels" on the 11th at the Four Seasons Hotel in Jongno, Seoul, under the theme "The Role of Eco-friendly Fuels for Achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2050."

In the first session, experts from various countries shared their views on global carbon neutrality policies, trends in bioethanol policies, life cycle analysis (LCA), compatibility of bioethanol blended fuel vehicles, and infrastructure.

Participants of the 2023 International Symposium on Eco-friendly Fuels held on the 11th are taking a commemorative photo.
[Photo by Oh Gyumin moh011@]

Bioethanol has been introduced in 60 countries worldwide, including the United States, the European Union (EU), Japan, and China, as a substitute for fossil fuels. Among them, 47 countries use both biodiesel and bioethanol. However, South Korea currently implements only a biodiesel blending policy. Dr. Lee Seong-ui from the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Argonne Laboratory stated, “When examining the entire life cycle from raw material production of bioethanol to final combustion in vehicles, carbon emissions are reduced by approximately 44-46% compared to gasoline.”

The second session featured presentations on various eco-friendly fuels such as e-fuels (renewable synthetic fuels) and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). It was noted that carbon emissions may increase during the production of electricity or hydrogen, and e-fuels, which can use existing fuel supply infrastructure, are emerging as an alternative. Professor Sang Byung-in of Hanyang University’s Department of Chemical Engineering said, “Since (e-fuels) are 27% cheaper than electric vehicles in replacing internal combustion engines, it is necessary to consider using alternative fuels alongside electric vehicles rather than relying solely on electric vehicles as a means of carbon neutrality.”

Additionally, several experts emphasized the need for national-level infrastructure development and research to efficiently utilize biofuels and secure raw materials.

Choi Dae-yeol, president of the Korea Automobile Journalists Association, stated in his opening remarks, “Most of the 1.5 billion vehicles operating worldwide still run on carbon-based fuels. To achieve carbon neutrality in the transportation sector, considerations on how to operate existing vehicles, in addition to newly manufactured ones, must be supported.”

Han Mu-gyeong, a member of the National Assembly’s Industry, Trade and Energy Committee, said in a congratulatory speech, “The National Assembly will actively support research and development and policy measures to strengthen technological competitiveness and secure economic feasibility ahead of the transition to eco-friendly fuels for carbon reduction in the transportation sector.”

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