On May 21, the Ministry of Climate Energy and Environment held a kickoff meeting for the "Soil-Based Environmental Technology Development Project for NDC Achievement" at the Sangyeonjae Seoul Station in Jung-gu, Seoul, announcing the start of related research.
As the government expands renewable energy, electric vehicle adoption, and energy transition policies to establish a foundation for carbon neutrality, this initiative aims to broaden the existing forest-centered carbon absorption policies to include soil.
According to the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), soil is considered a larger carbon reservoir than the atmosphere and vegetation, with an estimated carbon storage capacity of about 1,700 PgC, significantly exceeding the atmosphere's 870 PgC and vegetation's 450 PgC. Consequently, soil-based carbon capture technology is gaining attention as a key technology for next-generation carbon neutrality in the international community.
This project aims to secure soil carbon capture and removal technologies suitable for domestic environmental conditions and integrate them into the national greenhouse gas reduction framework.
This year, research will focus on five key areas: biochar utilization technology, enhanced rock weathering technology, integrated impact assessment models for soil carbon absorption and removal, physical and chemical technologies based on organic-inorganic complexes, and artificial intelligence (AI)-based carbon absorption prediction technology.
Notably, biochar technology involves the high-temperature pyrolysis of wood, agricultural residues, and organic waste to produce carbon material that is spread in the soil, allowing for long-term carbon storage. Unlike typical organic matter, biochar is less prone to decomposition, offering a stable carbon sequestration effect.
Enhanced rock weathering technology involves finely grinding rocks rich in calcium and magnesium and spreading them on soil, utilizing the principle of absorbing and fixing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in the form of carbonates.
The government will also develop an integrated impact assessment model that scientifically verifies the effectiveness and environmental impact of these technologies. This model will comprehensively evaluate not only the carbon absorption effects but also the impacts on ecosystems and soil environments.
From the project’s inception, it has been designated as a public utilization task, allowing institutions or businesses designated by the Ministry of Climate Energy and Environment to use the developed technologies free of charge.
The ministry plans to link the developed technologies to the national greenhouse gas inventory system for practical reduction measures.
Kim Ji-young, the Director of Water Use Policy at the ministry, stated, "To achieve the 2035 NDC, it is crucial to not only reduce emissions but also secure new carbon sinks. We will strengthen the foundation for achieving carbon neutrality by leveraging the high carbon storage potential of soil."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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