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 technologies 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.

Building a circular economy

We aim to create a circular economy that works. First, we are improving the efficiency of resource use 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 and will lead the way to a plastics circular economy with our differentiated technologies, including plastics–to–chemicals (PTC) technologies for waste plastics and bioplastics.

Hanwha Solutions Chemical Division is establishing a commercial plant to convert waste plastics into raw materials using PTC technology. We are also developing bioplastic production technology using biomass–based raw materials with the eventual goal of full–fledged 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.

At Hanwha, we are increasing our use of low–carbon energy and minimizing environmental impact at all stages of corporate management to sharpen our response to climate change. 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.

Commitment to the K–RE100 and K–EV100 initiatives

Hanwha Solutions Qcells Division declared its participation in K–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

Every individual Hanwha affiliate is introducing low– carbon, eco–friendly operations that seek to optimize sustainability and minimize the environmental impact of business sites and facilities. At the Hanwha Headquarters building, we generate electricity and use it for office lighting via an all–in–one solar power system and solar panels installed on the roof.

We also use electricity generated by solar power at our business sites around the country, including the Hanwha Life Life Park training center, the Hanwha data center, Hanwha Life Eagles park, and the Galleria Luxury Hall. Going forward, we will strengthen low–carbon and eco–friendly operations in our workplaces by building eco–friendly power generation facilities, including solar power.

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 538,000 trees across 11 locations in South Korea, Mongolia, and China, creating forests that total 1.47 million square meters, the equivalent of 200 soccer fields. The defining feature of the Hanwha Solar Forest campaign that sets it apart from similar projects is its use of solar energy to power its own 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, and helps keep water and the air clean while preventing soil runoff. With the support of our Solar Forest app, the public is able to engage with the project, which helps encourage eco–friendly action and raises awareness for environmental issues.

As a result of Hanwha’s efforts, Hanwha Solar Forest — 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 the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a meeting at the UN’s High–Level Political Forum in 2018. We were the first Korean company to join the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) 1t.org initiative, an international movement of global companies, nonprofits, and climate activists that aims to conserve, restore, and grow one trillion trees by 2030 in support of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.

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; air quality monitoring devices and green education. Now in its third year in 2024, the campaign has supported 15 elementary schools across the country with relevant devices over the past three years to improve air quality.

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 was previously made public 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 Solutions Qcells  Division Making a Clean School campaign
• Hanwha Advanced Materials Hanwha Eco School, Geumgang River ecosystem conservation, eco–friendly beanbag chair production
• Hanwha TotalEnergies Petrochemical Eco Plus environmental education program
• Hanwha Ocean Cleaning up underwater environments
• Hanwha Life ReVIBE campaign, eco–friendly community
• Hanwha Hotels & Resorts 100–year forest campaign