The demand for energy efficiency in the industrial sector is rising more than ever due to the surge in global energy prices and the strengthening of carbon neutrality policies. In particular, technology that recovers and recycles waste heat, which was previously discarded, is emerging as a next-generation energy-saving solution in the industrial sector, which accounts for more than 60% of domestic energy consumption.

Advanced Energy Co., Ltd. (CEO Lee Hu-yong), headquartered in Jincheon, Chungbuk, is leading technological innovation in the waste heat sector and is attracting attention from the industry. As a specialized company in energy saving and environmental fields, Advanced Energy provides total solutions from consulting to diagnosis and measurement, manufacturing of energy-saving devices such as waste heat recovery units, exhaust heat recovery units, heat exchangers, and installation of environmental improvement facilities such as odor prevention systems.

The company's strength lies in its long-accumulated technological prowess. Advanced Energy, which has been conducting long-term joint research and development with the Korea Institute of Energy Research, has now developed the capability to perform most developments independently, entrusting only large-scale projects to research institutions.

CEO Lee Hu-yong (pictured) explained, "Rather than developing innovative new technologies, we are focusing on continuously improving and supplementing existing technologies to enhance their completeness."

Recently, the company's business areas have also been expanding. While it previously focused solely on energy saving, the proportion of environmental projects has significantly increased. This is due to the establishment of the Ministry of Climate and Environment and the heightened social interest in the environmental industry, along with strengthened sanctions for regulatory violations, leading to a surge in demand for environmental facilities.

CEO Lee emphasized, "While environmental issues are important, energy saving is equally crucial," adding that raising awareness of energy efficiency is urgent for the development of domestic industries.

In fact, recent data shows that companies that have completed the replacement of energy-saving facilities are offsetting a significant portion of the burden of soaring industrial electricity and gas rates by reducing energy consumption. CEO Lee expressed regret that while countries like China and India have a high understanding of energy saving, Korea is stagnating.

There is a tendency among companies to consider the introduction of energy-saving facilities inefficient, focusing only on the payback period. However, as energy costs continue to rise, a shift in perception is needed to recognize the benefits from a mid- to long-term perspective.

CEO Lee stated that while government initiatives like the Energy Efficiency Innovation Partnership (KEEP30) are good, social awareness improvement and voluntary corporate actions are most desirable. He suggested, "If awareness improvement is difficult in the short term, it is worth considering providing incentives to companies and employees who achieve significant energy savings on a quarterly or semi-annual basis."

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