South Korea to Demonstrate 100 MW Green Hydrogen Production in Jeju, Coastal Regions

The government announced on the 30th that it will pursue a large-scale green hydrogen production demonstration project of up to 100 MW (megawatts) in Jeju Island and the western and southern coastal regions, where renewable energy is densely concentrated.

Green hydrogen refers to hydrogen produced through water electrolysis using electricity generated from renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. While previous demonstrations were conducted at scales of 10 MW or less, the government plans to expand this to 50 MW within this year and apply for a preliminary feasibility study for 100 MW by next year.

 

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy stated this as the "Ultra-Innovative Economy Green Hydrogen Project Promotion Team" was launched. The team, divided into subcommittees for technological innovation, demonstration and operation, industry attraction and support, and regulatory improvement, aims to accelerate tax and regulatory reforms to promote the green hydrogen industry.

Green hydrogen is considered a stable solution to address the "intermittency" issue inherent in renewable energy. Excess electricity generated during periods of strong sunlight or wind can be stored by decomposing water into hydrogen. When electricity is scarce, the stored hydrogen can be reconverted into electricity via fuel cells or turbines.

However, green hydrogen has faced challenges due to high production costs and the fact that water electrolysis technology has not yet reached commercial viability. In response, a source from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy stated, "Through this demonstration project, we will secure leading electrolysis technologies and track records to enhance domestic green hydrogen production capabilities and economic feasibility."

 

South Korea to Demonstrate 100 MW Green Hydrogen Production

South Korea to Demonstrate 100 MW Green Hydrogen Production - Fuelcellsworks