WG1 Workshop on Industrial Decarbonization: Efficiency, Electrification, Hydrogen

On 25-26 November, a two-day edition of the Korean-German Energy Partnership’s workshop series on energy efficiency topics was held. For this edition, the thematic scope of the series was widened to look at various industrial decarbonization options, like direct electrification, hydrogen-based solutions and energy-saving measures. On day one, Dr. Julian Donaubauer (BMWK), Juwon Seo (MOTIE) and Sungha Kim (Korean Energy Agency) the common challenges of both countries in trying to decarbonize their industries and the value of international cooperation to achieve this goal. Peter Radgen (EEP Stuttgart), Matthias Rehfeldt (Fraunhofer ISI) and Rachel Eun Ko (NEXT Group) spoke about the status of industrial decarbonization, the potential of different decarbonization measures, low-hanging fruits in the short term and remaining challenges. The presentations were followed by a lively discussion between the speakers and the audience.

On day two, Stefan M. Buettner (EEP Stuttgart) spoke about the questions that societies and companies face in the decarbonization challenge and possible ways to answer them, while Jinsun Roh (Solutions for Our Climate) focused on the climate impacts of tackling methane emissions in industry. This interactive workshop, moderated by Gunnar Will (adelphi), emphasized the need for innovation and international cooperation to achieve net-zero goals. Organized by adelphi, KEA, and AHK Korea on behalf of BMWK and MOTIE, it showcased the value of cross-border knowledge sharing.