The Korean government has announced a comprehensive plan to convert livestock manure into renewable energy by 2030. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs introduced the ‘Livestock Manure Solid Fuel Activation Plan’ to address environmental burdens and meet growing renewable energy demands. This initiative aims to utilize solid fuel made from manure in large-scale power plants, focusing on reducing livestock odors and improving environmental conditions. Successful test combustions in 2024 and 2025 have paved the way for industrialization, with package support policies now in place.
By 2030, the government plans to expand the conversion of livestock manure into solid fuel to 1.18 million tons annually. This will generate enough electricity for 38,000 households each year and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 500,000 tons (equivalent to 360,000 vehicles). Facilities in Suncheon and Gimje currently produce around 10,000 tons of solid fuel annually, with targets set to reach 660,000 tons by 2029 and 1 million tons by 2030. Nine production facilities are under construction, with a total of 25 planned by 2030.
To improve manure quality, rapid collection and bedding support are being implemented. Carbon reduction amounts will be calculated based on farmers’ efforts, with low-carbon programs provided as incentives. Ash generated during combustion will be recycled as fertilizer, and processes to extract phosphorus (P) are being developed for added value. The government is also working on relaxing moisture standards and conducting test combustions to enable energy conversion from high-moisture manure.
Standardized production processes and economic improvements are underway to enhance the viability of solid fuel. Support for installing boilers and power plants in agricultural and industrial facilities will help reduce energy costs. The Ministry aims to expand sustainable resource utilization at the local level by improving field applicability and economic feasibility. This initiative is expected to serve as an effective alternative to coal and contribute significantly to greenhouse gas reduction.