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▲ Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. yunhap news |
[에너지경제신문 이원희 기자] Following the steel, petrochemical, cement, semiconductor and display industries, the nonferrous metal industry also participated in the ‘2050 carbon neutrality’.
According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the non-ferrous metal industry held an inauguration ceremony for the’Non-ferrous Metal Carbon Neutral Committee’, which is a consultative group with industry, academia, research and government to achieve carbon neutrality in 2050 at JW Marriott Hotel Seoul, and announced a joint declaration.
Greenhouse gas emissions from the non-ferrous metals industry were 8.8 million tons in 2019, equivalent to 1.3% of the nation’s total emissions and 2.3% of the industrial sector. 50% of the total emission is electricity used during the process (indirect emission), and coal used as a reducing agent and heat source in the smelting process accounts for 41%.
In their declaration, six leading non-ferrous metal companies said, “We will reduce carbon emissions through the development of innovative technologies and change the production structure, and increase industrial competitiveness by expanding public-private communication and discussions on joint projects through the Carbon Neutral Committee.”
“Carbon neutrality is a very difficult challenge,” said Lee Je-jung, chairman of the Korea Nonferrous Metals Association. “We must work with the government to secure global competitiveness by transforming into an eco-friendly smart smelter through the application of eco-friendly manufacturing methods and technological innovation.”
The non-ferrous metal industry suggested improvements in energy process efficiency, expanded use of new and renewable energy, and fuel conversion as short-term (2021-2030) tasks for carbon neutrality. It was suggested that the mid- to long-term (2031 to 2050) project requires the development of process technology and carbon capture and conversion technology using eco-friendly fuels and raw materials.
The government has suggested R&D support for low-carbon and eco-friendly process technology, stable supply of new and renewable energy, and expansion of tax credits for facility investment. On this day, the government checked the nonferrous metal industry and raw material price trends and supply and demand conditions. Recently, the price of major non-ferrous metals such as copper has continued to rise.
Kang Kyung-sung, head of the industrial policy department of the Ministry of Industry, said, “We are constantly checking the situation of raw material supply and demand through the material parts supply and demand support center.” I’m doing everything.” At the same time, he urged the nonferrous metal industry to work hard to stabilize supply and demand, such as checking the supply chain of raw materials such as minerals and supplying them to domestic demanding companies.
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