The C1 Gas Refinery R&D Center said Thursday it has been making continuous efforts to increase the price competitiveness of the domestic petrochemical industry while reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the development of C1 gas conversion technology.

Amid rising environmental concerns and increasing price volatility in the industry, a group of 100 researchers from Sogang University, Kyunghee University, Ajou University, Seoul National University, KAIST, the Korea Institute of Energy Research and the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology have teamed up to devise a new technology required in the post-oil era.

The researchers are focusing on developing low heat, low pressure and direct C1 gas conversion technology through a holistic approach in various scientific fields.

Such research is being done to help domestic companies cope with the upcoming Shale Gas 2.0 era that will focus on reducing the price of shale gas by minimizing its mining cost and increasing its supply.

The R&D Center has been encouraging Korean companies to share their opinions and participate in the development stages of the conversion technology.

It also has plans to commercialize the technology for industrial use as soon as it is completed.

By Yim Ji-min (jiminy@heraldcorp.com)