State gas company to build 25 hydrogen production facilities and plumbing network by 2030

By Lim Chang-won Posted : April 29, 2019, 10:07 Updated : April 29, 2019, 10:07

A file picture shows a hydrogen gas station built by Hyundai Motor in an expressway rest area in Anseong.[Yonhap News Photo]


SEOUL -- To help speed up the use of fuel cells in the production of automobiles and electricity, South Korea's state gas company has unveiled a roadmap which would cost 4.7 trillion won ($4.06 billion) to create 25 hydrogen production facilities and a 700-kilometer plumbing network by 2030.

By 2030, the roadmap, disclosed by Korea Gas Corp. (KOGAS) on Sunday, called for the supply of 1.73 million tons of hydrogen as an affordable energy source, the construction of a plumbing network by using its nationwide natural gas pipeline. It plans to introduce 500 tube trailers capable of transporting compressed hydrogen.

Some 300 billion won would be spent on completing the localization of major equipment and technology independence, KOGAS said, adding it would develop technologies that can liquefy hydrogen and import it like liquefied natural gas.

"We will do our best to help the hydrogen industry grow into a core next-generation industry of our nation," KOGAS acting president Km Young-doo said. "We will lead the era of low-carbon, eco-friendly energy through cooperation with global companies."

KOGAS is leading a campaign to popularize hydrogen as alternative clean energy. In November last year, KOGAS, Hyundai Motor and 13 firms formed a special purpose company to build hydrogen fuel stations. The government has unveiled a roadmap to secure its firm leadership in the global market by producing 6.2 million fuel cell vehicles for domestic consumption and exports by 2040.

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles use fuel cells which produce heat, electricity and water through a thermochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. Because of its eco-friendly characteristics, fuel cells are considered the next-generation renewable power source. Still, hydrogen fuel faces an obstacle due to the lack of charging stations in urban areas.

This month, the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), a state research body, offered to develop technology on high-temperature nuclear reactors which provide a new way to produce hydrogen gas with high efficiency. Hydrogen production comes mostly from natural gas or coal. Experts believe hydrogen production using nuclear energy could reduce dependence on fossil fuels.







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