In 2022, the Republic of Korea Government implemented the Carbon Neutral Framework Act reinforcing its commitment to carbon neutrality. Ulsan port is equally committed in being an eco-friendly port and becoming carbon neutral. Hence in June 2023, Ulsan Port introduced a port-based Carbon Capture Unit utilizing Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology, in cooperation with the terminal operation company.
This innovative Unit can be used in very small spaces (each unit occupies around 5 square meters of space) to capture carbon dioxide from the air and produce, through reactions, calcium carbonate (used as a raw material for paper and cement) and sodium carbonate (used as a raw material for dyes and pharmaceuticals). In that way, captured CO2 from ambient air can, for example, be added to concrete, and used in turn in sidewalk blocks and/or construction materials.
The first Carbon Capture Unit is installed in front of the office building, displaying real-time information on amounts of carbon captured. As of April 2024 (around 300 days after it’s installation), the unit has captured a total of 646 kilograms of carbon dioxide, which is equivalent to the annual carbon dioxide capture of 98 30-year-old pine trees.
The deployment of this innovative technology demonstrates Ulsan Port’s commitment to circular economy and to fighting climate change. The port plans to install additional such units in port areas with high carbon emissions, targeting an annual capture of 2000 kg of CO2.