LG Chem Plants Carbon-Absorbing Seaweed in the Waters off Yeosu

LG Chem is launching a project to restore seaweed habitats that absorb carbon in the waters off Yeosu.

On the 8th, LG Chem announced that it will carry out a restoration and research project for Zostera habitats in the waters off Yeosu. The company plans to create Zostera colonies and expand them to an area of 10 hectares, equivalent to 14 soccer fields, by 2026.

LG Chem employees are showcasing the Jalpi Sea Forest implemented in the metaverse.

Zostera is a type of seagrass that blooms underwater and is gaining attention as a marine organism habitat and an underwater carbon sink known as "blue carbon." A 10-hectare Zostera habitat can absorb 5,000 tons of carbon annually, equivalent to the emissions of 2,800 cars. Additionally, once the habitat is restored, the number of nearby marine organisms is expected to increase by 2.5 times, and the variety of species by 1.5 times.

The restoration project is led by LG Chem with participation from six companies and institutions. LG Chem plans to raise a fund of 1.4 billion KRW over four years to support the entire project. The program operation will be managed by the climate tech startup ThanksCarbon, and Yeosu City will provide administrative support for the project. The Korea Fisheries Resources Agency will be responsible for restoring the Zostera habitats, conducting ecological environment surveys, and analyzing the effects of the Zostera colonies as part of the research efforts.

Hope Friends Kia Support will conduct marine ecosystem education programs targeting elementary school students in the Yeosu area, while the metaverse platform Zepeto will handle metaverse development and management to promote blue carbon awareness. On World Oceans Day, June 8, they will also unveil the metaverse sea forest called "Blue Forest" on Zepeto. This virtual sea forest allows users to experience activities such as planting Zostera and participating in Sea Planting Day volunteer work without physically entering the ocean.

Shin Hak-cheol, Vice Chairman of LG Chem, said, "Protecting marine ecosystems and conserving biodiversity is not only about coexistence with local communities but also sustainable growth with future generations." He added, "As a global science company, we will fulfill our social responsibilities and accelerate the transition to a decarbonized management system to continue our sustainable leadership."