MgenSolution Subsidiary Hyundai Infracore Participates in 41 Billion Won 'Carbon-Free NCC Process' Development National Project

[Financial News] MgenSolution's subsidiary Hyundai Infracore is set to secure core technology for the carbon-neutral transition of the domestic petrochemical industry.
On the 14th, Hyundai Infracore announced its participation in the national R&D project 'Carbon-Free Fuel-Based Naphtha Cracking (NCC) Carbon Reduction Innovative Process Technology' development task, promoted by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy at the Yeosu National Industrial Complex in Jeonnam.
This project aims to develop NCC carbon reduction innovative process technology using carbon-free fuels such as hydrogen and ammonia, establishing a 120kg/h naphtha cracking pilot plant and advancing technology development reaching the design of a 600,000-ton commercial NCC process annually, with a total project cost of 41 billion won (29.3 billion won from the government, 11.7 billion won from private investment). The research will be conducted over 3 years and 9 months from April this year to the end of 2028, with 12 institutions including Hyundai Infracore, Advanced Technology Research Institute, Ajou University, KAIST, Jeonnam Technopark, Korea Conformity Laboratories, Daon H&S, and Yeosu City participating jointly.
In this project, Hyundai Infracore will develop AI-based high-temperature prediction and disaster response technology. It aims to develop thermal imaging recognition technology to precisely measure the internal temperature of the NCC cracking reactor, securing a thermal imaging camera recognition rate of over 95% and high communication stability.
Additionally, an AI disaster response system capable of detecting and responding to risks such as fires or fuel leaks in real-time will be developed. This advanced safety system goes beyond simple detection functions by analyzing accumulated data within the process to identify abnormal signs early and respond proactively.
This technology development is expected to be a turning point in realizing carbon neutrality by converting the existing fossil fuel-based NCC process to a carbon-free fuel-based one using hydrogen and ammonia with pure domestic technology. Through pilot demonstration, it plans to produce over 50kg/h of light olefins and reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) concentration in exhaust gases to below 20ppm, ensuring both eco-friendliness and stability. In particular, it aims to verify process reliability through over 1,000 hours of cumulative operation and contribute to establishing a global-level safety design and ESG (environmental, social, governance) management foundation.
A Hyundai Infracore representative said, "We are very pleased to participate in this project," adding, "We will contribute to carbon reduction and process safety improvement by developing NCC process technology based on carbon-free fuel and securing AI-based safety solutions."
dschoi@fnnews.com Choi Doo-sun Reporter