The government is expanding support for the development of industrial heat pump technology that produces high-temperature heat to reduce carbon emissions in the industrial sector and is pursuing the localization of core technologies.
The Ministry of Climate Energy and Environment announced on October 29 that it will hold a discussion forum titled 'Development and Utilization of Industrial Heat Pump Technology for Decarbonization of Thermal Energy in the Industrial Sector' at the Han River Flood Control Center in Seocho-gu, Seoul, with participation from industry representatives, research institutions, and energy experts.
This forum aims to share trends in domestic and international technology development for industrial heat pumps and discuss ways to expand their deployment in industrial settings and provide policy support.
Industrial heat pumps are devices that produce high-temperature heat necessary for manufacturing products by utilizing waste heat generated in processes or unused heat sources. They absorb heat from air or water and supply more thermal energy with less electrical energy.
Unlike heat pumps used for heating and cooling in homes, which operate at 8 to 20 kW, industrial heat pumps are large-scale systems operating at the megawatt level, used to produce high-temperature water or steam needed for drying, chemical reactions, and processing.
The transition to thermal energy in the industrial sector is crucial due to its significant share of greenhouse gas emissions. As of 2024, the industrial sector accounted for approximately 38% of the country's total greenhouse gas emissions, with over 70% of industrial energy consumption used for thermal energy production.
The government believes that electrifying processes by replacing fossil fuel boilers with heat pumps is essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has also projected that heat pumps will play a key role in decarbonizing industrial process heat below 400 degrees Celsius.
The government is promoting related technology development and demonstration projects. The Ministry of Climate and the Korea Energy Technology Evaluation Institute are supporting the development of core technology for a 3.5 MW industrial heat pump that utilizes waste heat of about 38 degrees Celsius generated in the paper industry to produce high-temperature water above 100 degrees Celsius.
Additionally, the development of key technologies and systems for heat pumps capable of producing steam at temperatures above 180 degrees Celsius is underway. This aims to enhance the technology level to reliably supply high temperatures required for industrial processes.
The government plans to incorporate feedback from this forum to refine the research and development roadmap for industrial heat pumps and to specify pathways for carbon reduction in industrial complexes and support for thermal energy transition.
Minister of Climate Energy and Environment Kim Sung-hwan stated, "The development of high-temperature heat pump technology is essential to achieve carbon neutrality and energy savings in the industrial sector. We will proactively expand research and development budgets for localization of core technologies and actively foster the heat pump manufacturing industry."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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