Chungnam Province to Produce Aviation Fuel from CO₂

National Demonstration Project Worth 140.2 Billion Won Confirmed
"Boryeong, Once a Major Carbon Emitter, to Become a Hub for Eco-Friendly Aviation Fuel Production"

On the 1st, Anho, Director of the Industrial Economy Office of Chungnam Province, held a press conference and announced that the Boryeong Carbon Transition e-SAF Project has passed the preliminary feasibility study by the Ministry of Science and ICT.

Chungnam Province will officially launch a national demonstration project in Boryeong to convert carbon dioxide into eco-friendly aviation fuel (e-SAF).

The province aims to overcome the limitation of being the largest carbon emission area in the country through this project and to proactively secure a foundation for a carbon-neutral industry.

On December 1, Anho, Director of the Industrial Economy Office of Chungnam Province, held a press conference at the provincial government press center and announced, "The Boryeong Carbon Transition e-SAF Project has passed the preliminary feasibility study by the Ministry of Science and ICT," adding, "This marks a significant turning point as Chungnam transforms into a key player in addressing carbon issues."

This project will be carried out on a 3,500-square-meter site near the Boryeong Thermal Power Plant, demonstrating technology that captures carbon dioxide emitted during the thermal power generation process and converts it into eco-friendly aviation fuel. The total project cost is 140.2 billion won, with LG Chem, the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), and HD Hyundai Oilbank participating.

Boryeong has the nation’s largest wet carbon dioxide capture facility, ensuring a stable supply of raw materials, which is considered a major strength. The demonstration aims to convert 4,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually and produce 700 tons of e-SAF.

Director An stated, "As international aviation regulations are tightened, the demand for e-SAF is effectively becoming mandatory," and added, "This is an opportunity for Chungnam to take the lead in this market."

The province plans to sign business agreements with participating companies starting next year and support the permitting process, with the goal of beginning construction of the demonstration plant in 2027. If the demonstration succeeds, full-scale industrialization is expected to begin after 2034.

The province also expects this project to provide new direction for the local economy, as Chungnam, which has faced criticism for its high proportion of fossil fuel-based industries and related carbon emissions, is attempting its first structural transformation through the eco-friendly energy industry.

Director An emphasized, "The carbon transition demonstration in Boryeong will not only reduce the region’s environmental burden but also serve as an opportunity to create new jobs and growth engines," and added, "We will accelerate the project so that Chungnam becomes a forward base for the carbon-neutral industry."

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