Expanding Eco–Friendly Technology
We are leading renewable energy markets, such as solar, hydrogen and wind power, by capitalizing on our cutting–edge technology and production capacity. As we develop a variety of business models in response to changes in the electricity market, we will become a total energy solutions provider in all eco–friendly energy arenas.
Solar energy
With worldwide solar solutions, we are the market leader in solar modules in major renewable energy markets. In addition, we are involved in solar power plant projects in the US and Europe.
Beyond solar energy production, we are expanding our value chain to downstream retail electricity and distributed energy solutions businesses. We continue to sharpen our competencies by setting a new standard for the efficiency of next–generation perovskite–silicon tandem cells and modules.
Hydrogen energy
Generated with renewable energy such as solar or wind power, green hydrogen is the most eco–friendly energy and does not emit carbon in the production process. We are building a comprehensive value chain of green hydrogen—one that encompasses everything from production and storage to delivery and utilization. Our advanced technology, capabilities and experience will produce high–quality green hydrogen and provide the ultimate eco–friendly energy at a reasonable price.
Wind energy
With our deep EPC(Engineering, Procurement and Construction) experience in wind power complexes, such as the 76MW wind farm in Yeongyang, 25MW farm in Jeju Sumang and 90MW farm in Yangyang Suri, we are cultivating the wind power business by establishing a forward–looking value chain, from business development and operation to management and investment. We are expanding as a green developer into offshore wind farms in Sinan and Boryeong.Hanwha Ocean is currently constructing a state-of-the-art Wind Turbine Installation Vessel (WTIV) with the capacity to install 15MW ultra-large wind turbines in offshore locations. We are also engaged in developing floating offshore wind power substructures and offshore substations for global energy companies operating in the South Korean market.
Creating an Eco–Friendly Industrial Ecosystem
Hanwha is creating an eco–friendly industrial ecosystem by harnessing world–class green technologies. We produce eco–friendly products, including plastics that won’t harm nature, as well as plasticizers without environmental hormones. In addition, we focus on commercializing that promote LNG as a bridge fuel while simultaneously reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We are also building a circular economy as we develop Plastic–to–Chemicals technologies beyond mere recycling of petroleum–based materials such as plastics. Moreover, we are expanding eco–friendly investments with coal–free financing while also promoting carbon neutrality.
Developing eco–friendly technologies and products
We are striving to develop eco–friendly technologies and products that minimize environmental impact and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Hanwha Solutions Chemical Division developed ECO–DEHCH*, a premium eco–friendly phthalate–free plasticizer, which passed a safety test for EU regulations on Food Contact Materials.
We are also advancing eco–friendly mobility with ultra–high pressure hydrogen fuel tanks using ultra–light composite materials. In addition, Hanwha TotalEnergies Petrochemical developed eco–friendly products such as phthalate– and BPA–free PP products.
Hanwha Ocean has expanded the potential of LNG as a bridge fuel that can help us move toward a carbon-free world by commercializing technologies such as re-liquefaction technology and high-manganese steel LNG fuel tanks, which minimize losses during natural gas operations. In addition, our ESD (Energy Saving Device), including an air lubrication system and the industry’s first localized shaft generator motor system, contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by maximizing ship operational efficiencies.
* Acquired EU REACH compliance and certified by EU Food Contact MaterialsBuilding a circular economy
We aim to create a circular economy. First, we are improving the efficiency of using resources throughout the production process, from acquiring raw materials to the actual consumption of products. We salvage resources as much as possible through recycling after use. We will lead the plastics circular economy with differentiated technologies, such as Plastic–to–Chemicals (PTC) of waste plastics, biodegradable plastics and bioplastics.
Hanwha Solutions Chemical Division is establishing a commercial plant to convert waste plastics into raw materials using PTC technology. A subsidiary of the division also launched a packaging material based on PLA (polylactic acid), a characteristic biodegradable plastic. In addition, we are developing bioplastic production technology using biomass–based raw materials with the goal of commercial production.
Practicing coal–free financing
Hanwha’s six financial affiliates, including Hanwha Life, jointly announced commitments to support carbon–free power and are instituting practical ways to reduce carbon emissions through financial choices. The financial affiliates all agreed to refuse to fund construction of any coal–fired power plants or underwrite bonds issued by special purpose companies(SPCs) that have been established to build coal–powered plants locally or abroad. The affiliates will also refuse to underwrite general bonds that would finance construction of coal–fired plants. In addition, the companies promise to expand investments in environmentally friendly assets, such as renewable energy sources. We are leading change in investment standards and supporting the transition to eco–friendly energy through coal–free financing.
Improving Environmental Management
To respond to climate change and address environmental issues, Hanwha is increasing its use of low–carbon energy and minimizing environmental impact at all stages of corporate management. We are actively engaging in a range of international and national initiatives to reduce energy and carbon emissions. Some of our affiliates are practicing low–carbon and eco–friendly management, such as installing solar power generation facilities at business sites while also expanding their use of renewable energy.
Joining RE100 and EV100 initiatives
Hanwha Solutions Qcells Division declared its participation in RE100*, the first for a South Korean renewable energy company. By 2050, we plan to replace 100% of our electricity usage with renewable energy. Hanwha Solutions and Hanwha TotalEnergies Petrochemical joined in the K–EV100 campaign to convert 100% of owned or leased corporate vehicles to electric or hydrogen vehicles by 2030.
Recycling solar panels
Solar panel installation is rapidly increasing owing to global interest and investments in solar energy. Accordingly, concerns are growing about the carbon dioxide generated during solar module production and how to dispose of solar panel waste. Hanwha is working to solve waste issues and contribute to a circular economy through the reuse and recycling of solar modules.
As a responsible solar energy producer, Hanwha Solutions Qcells Division is responding to an extended producer responsibility(EPR) program for solar panels that will be implemented starting in 2023 by establishing a waste panel recycling system and eco–friendly recycling.
Operating eco–friendly workplaces
The Hanwha Building’s facade featuring 275m² of embedded Q.PEAK solar modules from Hanwha Solutions Qcells Division
Each Hanwha affiliate is introducing low–carbon, eco–friendly operations that minimize the environmental impact that business sites or facilities may cause. At the Hanwha Headquarters building, we generate electricity and use it for office lighting with an all–in–one solar power system and solar panels installed on the roof.
We also use the electricity generated by solar power at our business sites around the country, such as Hanwha Life LIFEPLUS Research Center, Hanwha Data Center, Hanwha Life Eagles Park and Galleria Luxury Hall. Going forward, we will strengthen low–carbon and eco–friendly operation in our workplaces by building eco–friendly power generation facilities, including solar power.
Advocating Eco–Friendly Values
As a world–class solar energy enterprise, our mission is to achieve sustainable growth by sharing eco–friendly values. That’s why we are committed to eco–friendly programs and invite people to join the energy revolution through activities that counteract climate change and help the environment. With campaigns such as Hanwha Solar Forest, Making a Clean School, Solar Beehive, Clean Up Mekong and more, we are not only relying on solar energy, we are also making a difference.
Hanwha Solar Forest
Since 2011, the Hanwha Solar Forest campaign has planted approximately 530,000 trees across ten locations in South Korea, Mongolia and China, creating forests that add up to 1.45 million square meters, the equivalent of 200 soccer fields. The initiative stands out among others because we use solar energy to power nurseries.
Solar energy supports clean water supply, temperature and humidity control, while providing the lighting needed to nurture saplings—all resulting in a more environmentally friendly, carbon–neutral forest. This natural climate solution reduces the impact of desertification, removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helps keep water and air clean while preventing soil runoff. With the support of our Solar Forest app, we are also virtually engaging the public in the project, raising empathy and awareness for environmental issues.
As a result of Hanwha’s efforts, the Hanwha Solar Forest campaign, the world’s first corporate campaign utilizing solar energy development to prevent desertification, was introduced as a best practice at the 2011 United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification(UNCCD). It was also cited as a model for how corporate partnerships can contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs) in a meeting at the UN’s High–Level Political Forum in 2018.
Making a Clean School campaign
Since 2011, the Hanwha Happy Sunshine project has donated solar power generation systems to welfare centers across South Korea to help them save on utility bills. In 2022, we launched the Making a Clean School campaign for elementary schools by renewing the program. This campaign is designed to create a school where students can enjoy clean and healthy environments by addressing climate change and air pollution caused by fine dust and harmful substances in an eco–friendly way.
Selected schools for the campaign are supported in various ways: with solar power generation facilities that produce eco–friendly electricity; green walls covered with vegetation that purify indoor air; air shower fans and purifier and window ventilators that reduce indoor fine dust; and air quality monitoring devices. We selected four schools in Seoul and around the metropolitan area for the first round, helping a total of 3,528 students in 140 classes experience a better environment. We also provided them with eco–friendly education to raise environmental awareness in the next generations, including measures to deal with fine dust and protect the planet.
Solar Beehive campaign
In May 2022, Hanwha unveiled South Korea’s first–ever Solar Beehive, a photovoltaic low–carbon solar beehive that uses electricity generated from solar energy. The damaging effects of the climate crisis around the globe have significantly reduced bee populations, the world’s most important pollinators. Through this project, we aim to increase bee populations by maintaining a stable environment for growth while promoting the importance of preserving biodiversity. Solar panels installed on top of the Solar Beehive generate electricity used to automatically monitor and control the temperature, humidity, water and food inside the structure.
The beehive also contains a smart system that monitors and controls this data in real time through an app. We installed the Solar Beehive at the Korea National University of Agriculture and Fisheries(KNUAF) as a part of its pilot program. The 40,000 or so bees that live in the Solar Beehive help pollinate fruit trees on campus and vegetation in nearby wooded areas. The program also collects data on bee population growth and activities,which now publicly available via a website for anyone doing research into bees.
Clean Up Mekong campaign
Hanwha launched the Clean Up Mekong campaign to help address water pollution, one of the world’s ongoing environmental issues. We donated two solar–powered boats that can remove waste from the Mekong River before the river water empties into the Pacific Ocean. The boats can collect 400 to 500 kg of waste daily without discharging any carbon emissions.
Hanwha’s eco–friendly social contribution activities
- Hanwha Solutions Support for eco–friendly startups
- Hanwha Solutions Qcells Division Donation of solar modules to areas affected by natural disaster
- Hanwha Group and Hanwha Solutions Qcells Division Making a Clean School campaign
- Hanwha Advanced Materials Hanwha Eco School
- Hanwha TotalEnergies Petrochemical Eco Plus environmental education program
- Hanwha Ocean Cleaning up underwater environments