Dankook University, along with seven other distinguished institutions, has sealed an agreement to nurture the hydrogen industry ecosystem in South Chungcheong Province. This collaborative effort is not merely about fostering the hydrogen industry but also about developing talent in this critical field.
The agreement, which came into being during the 6th Chungnam Hydrogen Energy International Forum, brings together the combined strengths of Dankook University, Chungnam Province, Boryeong City, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Chungnam Techno Park, Korea Midland Power Co., Ltd., SK E&S Co., Ltd., and LG Chemical.
The core elements of the agreement encompass multiple facets of the hydrogen industry and renewable energy. They include nurturing the hydrogen industry ecosystem in South Chungcheong Province, collaborating on the development of new energy solutions involving carbon capture and utilization, cultivating experts in the field of hydrogen energy, and welcoming the establishment of the ‘Clean Hydrogen and Ammonia Innovation Research Center’ and the ‘Hydrogen Convergence Graduate School’.
Governor Kim Tae-heum highlighted the pivotal role of South Chungcheong Province in the context of greenhouse gas emissions, being home to 29 of the 58 thermal power plants nationwide. By reconfiguring the region’s industrial landscape to be coal-free and low-carbon, the province is determined to take the lead in the eco-friendly hydrogen ecosystem.
Dankook University President Soon-cheol Ahn expressed his institution’s commitment to driving the development and research of the hydrogen industry. Dankook University set the stage by launching a graduate school department focused on hydrogen energy and transferring technology worth 3.1 billion won in core materials, components, and system technologies within the hydrogen sector. Ahn emphasized the importance of creating a hydrogen industry ecosystem and building a government-academic-industrial cluster to stimulate job creation.
Last May, Dankook University’s ‘Dankook University Consortium,’ in partnership with South Chungcheong Province, emerged victorious in the first competition for the ‘Clean Hydrogen and Ammonia Innovation Research Center.’ This project is a vital component of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning’s hydrogen retraining initiative.
South Chungcheong Province, known for its significant contribution to the nation’s thermal power generation, is now on a transformative journey towards a more sustainable, hydrogen-powered future. Collaborations like the one between Dankook University and its partners play a pivotal role in turning this ambitious vision into a reality. The province’s commitment to hydrogen is a testament to the global shift towards greener and more sustainable energy sources.
