Metropolitan Area Landfill Management Corporation has joined forces with Hyundai Motor Group to embark on a mission that could revolutionize waste management and usher in a new era of clean energy.
They plan to produce clean hydrogen from biogas generated during the treatment of food waste wastewater, thus leading the charge in the conversion of waste to energy and the pursuit of carbon neutrality.
This visionary initiative, recently solidified through a business agreement signed at Hyundai Construction’s headquarters in Seoul, involves Hyundai Motor Company, Kia, and Hyundai Engineering & Construction (E&C). Together, they plan to develop cutting-edge technology for eco-friendly hydrogen production using biogas, paving the way for sustainable business practices.
At the heart of this agreement lies the intention to jointly demonstrate the technology’s capabilities by producing 216 kg/day of eco-friendly hydrogen using biogas derived from the landfill over the next two years. To put this into perspective, this amount can power more than 34 Hyundai Motor Company hydrogen vehicles, such as the Nexo.
The Landfill Corporation will provide the critical raw material, biogas, along with research sites and facilities. Hyundai Motor and Kia will take charge of constructing an integrated system for the catalytic reaction process, while Hyundai E&C will focus on developing gas-selective separation technology within the hydrogen production process.
What sets this technology apart is its eco-friendly approach. Unlike traditional hydrogen production methods, which release substantial carbon dioxide emissions, this joint venture harnesses carbon dioxide as an oxidizing agent, resulting in a remarkable reduction in carbon emissions. It’s a significant step towards achieving carbon neutrality, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.
The implications of this partnership extend beyond just efficient waste management. The Landfill Corporation aims to play a pivotal role in helping South Korea meet its National Greenhouse Gas Reduction Target (NDC). Simultaneously, it seeks to invigorate the burgeoning hydrogen economy, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable energy production.
Yeom Gyeong-seop, the head of the Resource Recycling Technology Research Institute of the Metropolitan Area Landfill Management Corporation, expressed optimism about the project’s potential. He emphasized that the successful outcome of this research could enable the stable production of clean hydrogen from biogas generated during food wastewater treatment, a resource that was previously considered a waste product. This transformation could turn trash into treasure on a scale previously unimaginable.
Notably, this isn’t the first venture of its kind for the Metropolitan Area Landfill Management Corporation. In May, the organization signed a joint research agreement with Intucore Technology Co., Ltd., aiming to develop clean hydrogen and solid carbon (black carbon) production technology. These strategic moves underscore the commitment to innovation and sustainability in waste management, which could, in turn, shape a greener and cleaner future for us all.
