(C) Material Carbonization Tunnel (MCT) 

CHUNGCHEONGNAM-DO—The Chungnam Agricultural Research and Extension Services (NARES) announced a significant step toward achieving the national "2045 Carbon Neutrality" goal by commissioning a cutting-edge, continuous Material Carbonization Tunnel (MCT) biochar production facility. This research infrastructure, designed to convert agricultural byproducts into valuable biochar, marks a major milestone for sustainable farming in the region.

The provincial NARES held an on-site demonstration event on November 7 at its compost facility, showcasing the next-generation research equipment capable of directly manufacturing biochar from agricultural waste. The event, attended by NARES researchers and officials from related organizations, included an introduction to the facility, a live demonstration of producing biochar from rice hulls, and a Q&A session.

Innovative Technology for Carbon Neutrality 

The newly established MCT biochar manufacturing facility is a result of a public-private partnership with SERDI Co., Ltd. (㈜셀디). Its design prioritizes both efficiency and environmental sustainability:

High Capacity: The system boasts a treatment capacity of over 200 kg of agricultural byproducts per hour.
Continuous and Indirect: Utilizing a continuous, indirect carbonization, and air-cooling structure, the facility maximizes production efficiency while minimizing environmental impact.
Energy Efficiency: The system maintains a low power consumption of less than 60 kW/h during preheating, highlighting its energy-saving features.
Environmental Design: Harmful gases and heat generated during the byproduct processing are designed to be purified and recycled through an integrated smoke and gas removal system (제연시설), ensuring eco-friendly operation. 

Future Research and Economic Impact 

Chungnam NARES plans to leverage this advanced research facility to drive forward several key sustainability initiatives:

Resource Utilization: Conducting research on the valorization of diverse biomass, including livestock manure and sewage sludge.
Technological Advancement: Developing technologies for recycling waste heat and gases.
Quality Control: Establishing optimal conditions for the production of high-quality biochar, a soil amendment known for its carbon sequestration properties.
These efforts are intended to secure future government R&D projects related to national carbon neutrality and develop practical plant utilization models, thereby amplifying research outcomes across the agricultural sector.

Kim Hak-heon, Director of the R&D Bureau at the Chungnam NARES, emphasized the facility's importance: “The establishment of this biochar manufacturing facility will serve as a crucial foundation for Chungnam agriculture to transition into eco-friendly farming in the era of carbon neutrality. By transforming agricultural byproducts into resources, we aim to achieve the dual goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing farm household income.”

The research, which also focused on developing carbonization and purification equipment for the creation of carbon-reducing briquettes, was supported by the Korea Environmental Industry and Technology Institute (KEITI) through its ‘2025 Eco-Startup Climate Tech IP’ program. The project involved a total investment of 270 million Korean won (including private funding).