The Korean government has announced a major initiative to convert livestock manure into renewable energy by 2030, aiming to generate enough electricity for 38,000 households each year. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) has developed the ‘Livestock Manure Solid Fuel Activation Plan’ to address increasing renewable energy demand and mitigate environmental burdens such as livestock odors. Successful test combustions in 2024 and 2025 have paved the way for industrialization, and comprehensive support packages for solid fuel production and demand are being implemented. This policy targets odor reduction, energy self-sufficiency, and environmental improvement.
MAFRA is introducing measures to improve the quality of solid fuel, including rapid manure collection and bedding material support for participating farms. Farms receive rice husk bedding and must supply manure within three months to ensure high-quality fuel production. The plan will convert 1.18 million tons of manure annually into solid fuel, supplying electricity to 38,000 households and reducing 500,000 tons of greenhouse gases (equivalent to 360,000 vehicles) each year. Facilities in Suncheon and Gimje produce 10,000 tons of solid fuel annually, with plans to expand usage to 660,000 tons by 2029 and 1 million tons by 2030.
MAFRA will secure annual energy demand for 1 million tons of manure through improvements in large-scale power plant facilities and distribution of solid fuel boilers. Efforts are underway to relax moisture standards and conduct test combustions for high-moisture manure, with domestic feasibility to be confirmed this year. By 2030, 25 production facilities will be established, and increased government subsidies will ease installation burdens. Ash generated during combustion will be recycled as fertilizer raw material, enhancing economic viability.
This policy is recognized as an effective solution for improving livestock environments, achieving energy independence, and reducing greenhouse gases. MAFRA plans to expand sustainable resource systems at the regional level by enhancing field applicability and economic efficiency. Drawing on overseas cases like Japan, the ministry will develop phosphorus extraction processes from ash, creating additional income sources for farmers and reducing phosphorus imports. Standardized production processes and technical standardization are expected to ensure stable supply and economic benefits.