The future of petrochemicals: industrial electrification in South Korea and beyond

Don't miss out on our future events. Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.agora-industry.org/contac... Around the world, the petrochemical sector is central to manufacturing and a major source of industrial emissions due to its reliance on fossil fuels. Today, the industry is undergoing rapid transformation, with leading players investing in electrification and other low-carbon technologies while adapting to shifting demand, trade dynamics and cost pressures. For countries such as South Korea, the challenge is to align industrial competitiveness with climate ambition. Achieving deep emission reductions requires decarbonising high-temperature heat processes, particularly steam cracking. While hydrogen pathways remain costly in the Korean context, electrification is emerging as a promising alternative, especially where it can directly replace fossil fuel combustion. Scaling these solutions hinges on supportive policy frameworks, competitive electricity pricing and enabling infrastructure. Co-organised together with NEXT group and Agora Energiewende, this event brought together chemical and industrial experts to explore the evolving petrochemical landscape – both in Korea and globally – and the role of electrification in decarbonising the industry. The discussion highlighted practical technology pathways across core processes and supporting systems, drawing on both Korean and international experience to identify actionable strategies for the sector’s transition.