WG1 Expert Workshop on "Efficient Decarbonization Through Waste Heat Utilization"

On August 14, an expert workshop on “Efficient Decarbonization Through Waste Heat Utilization” was hosted as part of the "Energy Efficiency"-series within the Korean-German Energy Partnership. This closed event brought together policymakers and researchers to discuss regulatory frameworks, supportive measures, and strategies for utilizing waste heat from, for instance, high temperature industrial processes and data centers in both countries.

To start, Paul Viktor Papenbrock (Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz) and Yu-Beom Kim (Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy) presented the role of waste heat for energy efficiency and climate action in the respective countries. They also outlined each country's regulations and policy goals. Following this, Dr. Peter Radgen (Universität Stuttgart) and Sae-Sin Oh (Korea Energy Economics Institute) shared insights into the potential and challenges of waste heat utilization. They presented current innovations and use cases, showcasing the advancements in each country.

The workshop underscored the great potential for waste heat utilization in both countries and its importance in reaching climate targets. To unlock this potential, current market barriers must be addressed, hindering regulations adapted and the exchange between waste heat providers and potential customers facilitated. Additionally, it is important to update heating networks, integrate waste heat utilization options already during the planning stages of new projects, and foster innovative technologies, especially for efficiently utilizing low-temperature waste heat.

The event was jointly organized by the AHK Korea (AHK Korea (Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry) and adelphi. It was moderated by Gunnar Will (adelphi).