Reduction Method of Carbon Emission in Chemical Plants: Comparison of Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Korea

Abstract

There are various methods to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the construction and operational processes of chemical plants; however, the greenhouse gas reduction effects, investment costs, and benefits of their application have not been evaluated. Therefore, this study proposes greenhouse gas reduction measures that can be applied to chemical plant projects, including photovoltaic power generation, power factor improvement, VSD (Variable Speed Drive) motors, LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting, and minimizing on-site business trips. Subsequently, the potential greenhouse gas reduction, estimated costs, and expected benefits for each measure were calculated by region. Among these measures, power factor improvement demonstrated the highest CO<sub>2</sub> reduction potential, with an estimated investment cost as low as 27 USD/tCO<sub>2</sub>, making it an effective greenhouse gas reduction strategy. Additionally, LED lighting and minimizing on-site business trips, which require little initial investment, should be implemented promptly. The proposed five measures, considering the potential reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, estimated investment costs, and benefits, can be applied to identify ways to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in new chemical plants.