During his ongoing European tour aimed at attracting foreign investment and expanding global cooperation, Chungnam Governor Park Soo-hyun visited the headquarters of BASF, the world’s leading chemical company, located in Ludwigshafen, Germany. His visit focused on exploring sustainable industrial strategies to bolster the competitiveness and carbon-reduction initiatives of the Daesan Petrochemical Complex in Seosan.
Learning from the World's Largest Integrated Chemical Site
The Ludwigshafen site stands as the world's largest integrated chemical complex operated by a single enterprise, spanning 10 square kilometers with a history stretching back 165 years to 1865. Governor Park closely examined BASF’s signature 'Verbund' system—an ingenious integrated production network where manufacturing facilities, raw material flows, and energy are organically linked.
Under the Verbund system, by-products generated from one chemical process are directly repurposed as raw materials for another. Furthermore, steam, waste heat, and energy are systematically recycled across the entire site, drastically enhancing energy efficiency, slashing production costs, and minimizing carbon emissions.
Tailoring Innovation to the Daesan Petrochemical Complex
While acknowledging that the Daesan complex is already a premier South Korean petrochemical hub with deeply interconnected corporate processes, Governor Park noted that the ultimate goal is not to blindly replicate the German model, but to internalize its core philosophy.
"What we must learn from BASF is the strategic approach of translating corporate and facility integration into enhanced production efficiency, carbon reduction, and a smooth transition toward high-value-added materials," Governor Park emphasized.
As the petrochemical industry faces a turning point requiring business restructuring, reduction of redundant facilities, and optimization, Governor Park outlined the provincial government's proactive role. He stressed that the administration's duty is not to dictate corporate management decisions, but to establish robust conditions that amplify the success of self-driven business restructuring and fresh corporate investments.
Comprehensive Support for Sustainable Growth and Job Security
To ensure that Daesan secures its next-generation competitive edge, the Chungnam provincial government plans to streamline administrative procedures, overhaul local infrastructure, and ensure timely government support.
Governor Park pledged, "We will meticulously safeguard local jobs and partner companies throughout the restructuring phase. By driving carbon reduction and pivoting toward high-value-added material production, we will prepare Daesan for its next era of leadership."
He concluded with a strong commitment: "We will channel the wisdom of integration and efficiency witnessed at BASF into practical, customized support policies for Daesan. We will go far beyond simply downsizing facilities; we will secure the future competitiveness of Daesan."
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