Samsung Electronics Pioneers Eco-Friendly Heating Using Semiconductor Waste Heat

Samsung Electronics Hwaseong Campus (Image courtesy of Samsung Electronics)

SEJONG, Mar. 13 (Korea Bizwire) – In a novel move towards sustainability, Samsung Electronics is set to utilize the waste heat generated from its semiconductor manufacturing processes for district heating purposes.

This innovative approach was solidified through an agreement signed between Samsung Electronics and the Korea District Heating Corporation.

The ceremony, held at Samsung’s Hwaseong campus, saw the participation of significant figures including Jung Yong-ki, president of the Korea District Heating Corporation, and Nam Seok-woo, president of Samsung Electronics. 

Under the agreement, the Korea District Heating Corporation will repurpose the hot water produced during Samsung’s semiconductor production to generate heat for local heating services.

Currently, the hot wastewater discharged from semiconductor production, reaching temperatures of up to 30 degrees Celsius, undergoes treatment before disposal. 

A pilot project utilizing heat pumps to convert this warm wastewater into a heat source is slated to commence within the year.

Both parties anticipate that this initiative will not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the semiconductor and energy sectors but also cut down on the costs associated with producing heat from liquefied natural gas (LNG). 

As the global push towards carbon neutrality accelerates, repurposing waste heat from industrial operations has emerged as a key strategy.

Meta, for instance, supplies heat from its 50,000 square meter data center in Odense, Denmark, to local district heating systems, providing enough energy to meet the needs of 100,000 households. 

Choi Nam-ho, deputy minister at the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, underscored the significance of this collaboration in enhancing energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gases.

He promised that the government would continue to provide policy support, including the expansion of data-based heat trading, research and development in heat recovery technology, and assistance in commercializing these innovations.

Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)