SK energy cuts annual carbon emissions by 48,000 tons

[Courtesy of SK innovation]

SK energy Co. began operating a gas-fired combined heat and power (CHP) system for one of its power boilers at its Ulsan Complex (Ulsan CLX) to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and cut operating costs, the company said on Thursday.

With the new system, Ulsan CLX is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 48,000 tons per year. The company also expects to save about 19.1 billion won ($13.86 million) by improving the efficiency of boiler operation.

The gas engine CHP system recovers high-temperature exhaust heat from the gas engine generator to fuel the power boiler, reducing liquefied natural gas (LNG) consumption.

Installing gas engine generators around processes with high electricity demand enables stable power supply and increased self-generation, resulting in cost savings.

Ulsan CLX plans to produce 75.6 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually from the gas engine generator and expects to reduce excess steam by 20,000 tons per year as it reduces the operation of the steam turbine generator.

SK energy installed the gas engine CHP system in one of the 10 power boilers at Ulsan CLX that will be retired in 2020. SK energy plans to expand the installation to the remaining nine boilers due to the significant carbon emission reduction and cost savings.