An MOU was signed to strengthen the energy circulation system in the semiconductor industry, which consumes a lot of energy in the manufacturing process. A plan to use heat energy wasted during Samsung Electronics’ semiconductor process for district heating was established, raising expectations that it will contribute to low-carbon, eco-friendly policies.

On the 12th, Korea District Heating Corporation (hereinafter referred to as KDHC) and Samsung Electronics signed an agreement on energy efficiency and low-carbonization between the semiconductor and collective energy industries at Samsung Electronics’ Hwaseong Campus, in the presence of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (hereinafter referred to as the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy).

Previously, some of the hot water generated during Samsung Electronics' semiconductor production process was discarded without any further use. Hanwha will use this to create heat for district heating and industrial processes.

Hanwha plans to launch a pilot project within the year to apply new technology to utilize waste heat discharge from Samsung Electronics' semiconductor factories as a district heating source using a heat pump. In the long term, it is expected that there will be cooperation and promotion of diversification of heat sources and low-carbonization for stable heat supply to semiconductor industrial facilities such as Pyeongtaek and Yongin semiconductor clusters and supporting cities.

By utilizing waste heat from the semiconductor industry, the two companies expect to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the semiconductor industry and the collective energy sector, as well as cut the cost of liquefied natural gas (LNG) required for heat production.

Vice Minister Choi Nam-ho said, “This cooperation project is significant in increasing energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gases,” and added, “The government will not spare policy support, such as expanding data-based heat trading and supporting research and development of heat recovery technology and commercialization.”

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy is supporting investment in heat recovery and utilization facilities through energy-saving facility installation loan projects, greenhouse gas reduction facility subsidy support projects, and industrial complex energy self-sufficiency infrastructure construction projects. In addition, it is working to improve heat trading and utilization by granting extra points for by-product heat utilization in the hydrogen power generation bidding market and operating energy management standards.