The Korean government will build a 100,000-ton overseas liquefied hydrogen infrastructure by 2029 based on the introduction and establishment of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
On February 2, this information was presented at the “3rd Energy Public Institution Hydrogen Economy Council” held at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
In order to put into action the “plan to create a clean hydrogen ecosystem” proposed by the Hydrogen Economy Committee last year, specific implementation plans for each public institution, such as developing hydrogen infrastructure and hydrogen power generation, were considered at this conference.
First off, based on its expertise in introducing LNG and developing infrastructure, KOGAS will establish the necessary infrastructure for introducing 100,000 tons of liquefied hydrogen overseas by 2029. Major specifications for the ordering of liquefied hydrogen carriers will be created this year, and the concept design of the liquefied hydrogen receiving base will start.
Additionally, a demonstration facility will be constructed in the Pyeongtaek area this year, and a hydrogen mixing pilot operation at an LNG power plant in Jeju will be supported in 2024. These projects are intended to show hydrogen mixing using existing natural gas pipes.
The main method of exporting clean hydrogen is through the development of ammonia distribution infrastructure, which is being promoted by the Korea National Oil Corporation (KNOC). At the end of the previous year, a feasibility assessment for acquisition bases in the West Sea, East Sea, and South Sea regions—where coal power stations are concentrated—was finished.
Through government research and development (R&D) and power generation field demonstration, the five power generating businesses will secure hydrogen co-firing technology by 2026 and push commercial power generation of clean hydrogen and ammonia starting in 2028. Through partnerships with private businesses, Korea Southern Power encourages the creation of infrastructure for ammonia co-fired power generation on its own, such as storage tanks and unloading docks.