UP Catalyst has partnered with SGC Energy to deploy carbon utilization technology in South Korea, aiming to convert industrial CO2 emissions into high-value materials such as graphite and carbon nanotubes.
The collaboration centers on UP Catalyst’s molten salt electrolysis process, which transforms captured CO2 into battery-grade carbon materials.
The agreement marks a step forward in the company’s expansion into Asia, targeting a market with strong demand for advanced battery inputs.
Turning CO2 into Industrial Feedstock
Under the partnership, the companies will jointly evaluate the technology’s performance, establish a demonstration unit in Korea, and explore the development of a commercial-scale facility. The project will also assess longer-term cooperation models, including joint ventures and licensing agreements.
SGC Energy will contribute CO2 supply and infrastructure, including access to its industrial carbon capture and utilization (CCU) facility in Gunsan. The site currently captures significant volumes of carbon dioxide for conversion into industrial products, providing a foundation for scaling new applications.
UP Catalyst, meanwhile, will provide its proprietary process and technical expertise developed at its pilot operations in Maardu. The technology enables the conversion of emissions into materials used in batteries and other advanced applications, supporting both decarbonization and supply chain resilience.
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The partnership reflects broader efforts to reposition CO2 as a resource rather than a waste stream, particularly in sectors linked to the energy transition.
South Korea’s established battery manufacturing base makes it a strategic location for such initiatives, as demand grows for sustainable raw materials.
By combining carbon capture infrastructure with materials innovation, the project aims to demonstrate a circular carbon model, where emissions are continuously reused within industrial systems. If successful, the approach could contribute to reducing industrial emissions while strengthening domestic supply chains for critical technologies.
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