Unveiled in October 2026, the government’s ‘K-GX (Korean Green Transformation)’ strategy represents a vital national growth plan to fundamentally restructure South Korea’s economy, far exceeding simple environmental regulation. Running from 2026 through 2035, the initiative mobilizes a 1,000 trillion KRW investment (comprising 200 trillion KRW from public spending alongside over 790 trillion KRW in climate finance) to drive comprehensive process decarbonization across five key high-emission sectors: steel, petrochemicals, cement, semiconductors/displays, and refining.
In the face of this critical juncture, businesses must navigate heavy financial burdens and shifting market dynamics, including rising power rates, carbon allowance costs, and international Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms (CBAM). Consequently, moving beyond regulatory compliance to secure carbon-free energy, curb process emissions, and establish resilient, circular supply chains has become essential for maintaining industrial edge and capturing future growth opportunities.
Veolia : The Optimal Business Partner for Successful K-GX Achievement
Veolia, backed by over 170 years of global expertise in water, waste, and energy, is a powerful business partner helping global companies achieve ‘Environmental Security.’ To meet the K-GX strategy’s requirements for energy efficiency and circular economy construction, Veolia offers tailored solutions:
High-Efficiency Energy and Carbon-Free Transition Solutions: K-GX aims to achieve 100GW of renewable energy and electrification by 2030. Veolia diagnoses industrial facilities’ energy usage and optimizes energy consumption through waste heat recovery, biogas power generation, and high-efficiency heat pump adoption, significantly reducing carbon emissions.
- Sustainable Water Management Solutions: For advanced high-emission industries like semiconductors and petrochemicals that rely heavily on water, Veolia provides advanced water treatment and wastewater reuse technologies, enhancing process stability and minimizing water resource risks.
- Waste Resource Recovery and Circular Supply Chain Construction: In line with K-GX’s strategy to strengthen supply chain resilience by mandating recycled raw materials and reducing dependence on overseas critical minerals, Veolia supports the recovery of valuable metals from industrial waste, plastic recycling, solvent restoration, and circular economy systems across the value chain.
Veolia’s Proven References Leading Industrial Change
Veolia is already delivering concrete Environmental Security results in various industries.
Advanced Industry (Semiconductors/Displays) Water Treatment & Energy Optimization:
Operating ultrapure water (UPW) production and complex industrial wastewater treatment facilities on a consignment basis, and by improving energy efficiency within processes, we contribute to the achievement of ESG goals for multinational IT companies and major domestic semiconductor plants.
[Korea Reference] SK hynix, Icheon & Cheongju, Gumi plants
- While reliably supplying UPW(ultrapure water) of consistent quality, which is essential for chip manufacturing, also reuse more than 40% of the generated wastewater on-site.
- Contributing to reduced environmental risks: prioritizing thorough water quality management, strict water quality analysis, and top-level support for safety and environment (SHE).
[Global Reference] Global semiconductor company STMicroelectronics, Singapore:
- 12-inch wafer plant expansion project ➡️ completed water quality certification in just 4 months, achieving ultra-fast infrastructure build
- Integrated new UPW infrastructure of 160m³ scale without production interruption
- Provides extremely stringent water quality (TOC <1ppb, resistivity 18.2 MΩ.cm) stably 24/7
Petrochemical and Refining Plants Hazardous Waste Treatment & Heat Recovery:
Through advanced incineration and resource recovery facilities, Veolia safely treats hazardous waste and converts generated waste heat into steam or electricity for reuse in plants, significantly reducing fossil fuel consumption.
[Korea Reference] Kumho Petrochemical (Ulsan & Yeosu plants (4 sites)
- Stable industrial water and wastewater treatment service through long-term integrated operation management
- Operational efficiency improvement via facility enhancement/proposals
- Reduced energy consumption by 2,650MWh and carbon emissions by 267K tons due to reduced power usage
[Global Reference] Braskem project, Brazil’s largest petrochemical company
- Diversification of energy sources and increased renewable energy ratio via long-term contract for biomass boiler operation/management, steam production, sales, and operation
- Annual carbon emissions reduced by 150,000 tons via reuse and improvement of existing equipment without process changes
- Stable production and supply of over 215,000 tons of Eucalyptus biomass per year and generate 900,000 tons of steam/year
Biogas Production in Food & Beverage (F&B) Industry:
Sludge generated in the wastewater treatment process is converted into biogas through anaerobic digestion, which is then used as renewable energy to operate plants, reducing carbon emissions and increasing energy self-sufficiency.
[Korea Reference][Korea Reference] Samyang Foods, Wonju plant, long-term energy O&M service
- Conversion of existing LNG boiler to biomass boiler increases renewable energy usage ratio
- Stable operation and management via long-term contract enables energy management system establishment, sustained energy management, and 11% energy cost reduction
- 45% carbon emission reduction through renewable energy usage
[Global Reference[Global Reference] Super Bock project, Portugal’s largest brewery.
- Efficiency increase and up to 57% reduction in operating and energy costs via optimized wastewater treatment operation services including wastewater reuse
- Equipment operating hours increase and energy consumption decrease via energy efficiency solutions (CHP Engineering design-Construction-operation), reducing annual carbon emissions by 12,000 tons
- Waste (sludge) recovery and energy conversion (6.1GWh biogas recovered) reduces treatment costs
Veolia’s Strategic Approach to Potential Customers in the K-GX
Veolia goes beyond simple facility supply to approach customers as a comprehensive solution provider enhancing corporate carbon competitiveness:
- Proactive, Customized On-site Diagnosis and Solution Design: In line with the GX roadmap for the five major high-emission industries to be established by the end of 2026, we conduct a thorough preliminary analysis of the processes and energy structures of target companies. Based on this, we propose the optimal priority introduction solutions (or initial optimized operation models) linked to early ESG response strategies, such as carbon footprint measurement, climate risk assessment, and reduction target setting.
- Policy Funding & Climate Finance-Integrated Models: To leverage the 790 trillion KRW climate and transition finance standards, Veolia highlights financial advantages by offering long-term O&M (operation and maintenance) contracts or performance-sharing energy efficiency business models that reduce initial investment burdens.
- Scope 3 Emissions Strategic Partnership: Responding to K-GX requirements for clients to manage supplier emission data, Veolia provides quantitative data on how its solutions lower product carbon footprint (PCF) throughout the life cycle, helping boost competitiveness in bidding and exports.
In an era where carbon limits market access and adds operational expense, transforming environmental hurdles into commercial advantage defines the core of K-GX. K-GX fosters an inclusive, shared transition where SMEs, local communities, and major enterprises thrive together.
Championing 'Environmental Security,' Veolia partners across sectors and communities to reduce environmental footprints while driving sustainable economic growth. As carbon management dictates market opportunities and enterprise value, tap into Veolia’s cutting-edge solutions and proven operations to navigate international regulatory challenges and unlock growth.