South Korea expands water heat energy sources to urban and industrial areas

The Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment expanded the scope of water heat energy sources in South Korea to include seven types of unused water resources.

The ministry approved an amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the Renewable Energy Development, Utilization, and Promotion Act, which takes effect on November 17. This change allows the government to include water sources with stable temperatures and volumes as renewable energy sources.

The new list includes discharged groundwater, sewage, treated sewage water, wastewater, treated wastewater, re-treated sewage and wastewater, and industrial water. These sources can provide cooling and heating for buildings and industrial complexes. For example, discharged groundwater remains at a stable average temperature of 15 degrees Celsius year-round, which can reduce construction costs and heat loss by being connected directly to nearby buildings. The ministry plans to launch pilot projects to encourage private investment and identify more potential water heat sources.

Song Ho-seok, head of the Water Management Policy Office, stated that the reform aims to expand water heat energy to urban buildings and industrial complexes to support carbon neutrality. The ministry also plans to manage water and energy together to create a synergy effect.