The green growth industry is the key to the researching project led by Pukyong National University (PKNU) with the theme concept of “Eco-versity” in an effort to protect the environment and build a greener planet.
“Marine bioenergy is one of the new growth engines for the Korea’s future,” said PKNU president Park Maeng-eon (pictured), explaining the reason for building the massive and expansive research complex for green growth on the space of 67,320 square meters. The complex is expected to accommodate the Pukyong’s research institute of fisheries science, the think tank in the field of maritime affairs and fisheries with the 50-year history. The institute is to do the research of developing the technology to produce the bio energy extracted from marine plants such as the well-known local product kelp and to preserve and improve the seeds of algae.
“I will continue to push for the specialization of our university in the environmental, marine sciences and technology fields, and we can distinguish ourselves from other universities with our firm relationship with industry in the areas of science and engineering,” he said.
The 56-year geologist highlighted that now is high time to secure carbon credits and develop the environment-friendly energy as the climate change becomes the biggest issue in the international community. “PKNU will play a critical role in leading the national project to develop the production technology in advanced biofuels by farming the algae in bulk,” he added. Located in the country’s largest port city, Busan, Pukyong currently operates two marine-related research institutes of ‘Marine Bio Process Search’ and ‘Microalgae Bank’.
In particular, the university is poised to rise as the winner in marine biofuels thanks to the vibrant cross-curricular researching activities between chemical engineering, bionics, microbiology and food fermentation engineering.
PKNU also carries out the country’s only project of ‘Marine Living Modified Organisms’ with the government subsidy worth 10 billion won annually. The researchers participating in the project are known to rival the most competitive team in Canada. The university currently joins in relevant scientific research and development and managing research facilities within the Ocean Research and Development Institute supported by the Canadian Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries. In addition, PKNU launched the convergence technology center for marine light-emitting diode (LED) along with the government fund of 85 billion won for the next decade.
President Park highlighted that Busan is going to be the centerpiece in developing the strategic technology in green industry with the support from Pukyong’s green industrial complex where a variety of green-related studies are conducted like ocean thermal energy, wave power, and tidal energy. The university has a plan to create the network with marine energy related companies by tapping into the talents in algae. And the school hopes to assist in producing green energy by utilizing surplus electronic power from the neighboring Kori nuclear power plant.
President Park has been at the helm of the school since August in 2008. Under his leadership, the school has created a post of vice president for better management ― the first among state-funded universities ― and adopted a new incentive system to bring fresh competition between departments and professors.
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