Donghae City, under the leadership of Mayor Shim Gyu-eon, recently announced the commencement of the ‘Hydrogen Storage and Transportation Cluster Vision Declaration Ceremony.’
This significant event, held at the Green Energy Research Center on the Samcheok Campus of Kangwon National University, marked a pivotal moment for the region and signified a bold step towards realizing the future of a hydrogen-powered economy.
The ceremony, a collaborative effort between Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, Donghae City, and Samcheok City, celebrated the successful passage of the preliminary test for the ‘Hydrogen Storage and Transportation Cluster Construction Project.’ The primary goal is to establish a robust hydrogen supply chain, thereby fostering the growth of the hydrogen storage and transportation industry—an integral component of the hydrogen economy.
The proclamation ceremony witnessed the presence of notable figures, including Donghae Mayor Shim Gyu-eon, National Assembly member Lee Cheol-gyu, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Executive Governor Kim Myeong-sun, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy Energy Policy Director Lee Ho-hyun, Samcheok Mayor Park Sang-soo, and various other dignitaries. Approximately 200 attendees, comprising university presidents, business officials, and local residents, participated in the ceremony.
The ambitious project entails a substantial investment of 317.7 billion won, with contributions from national funds (439 billion won), local funds (423 billion won), and private funds (2,315 billion won). Donghae City will spearhead industrial promotion and technology verification, while Samcheok City will play a pivotal role in providing liquefied hydrogen and constructing a supply base.
As part of the project, Donghae City is set to establish an industrial promotion center, a safety test center, a verification test bed, and an integrated space for approximately 63 related companies in the Bukpyeong 2nd General Industrial Complex. The five-year plan, spanning from 2024 to 2028, aims to transform the industrial complex into a comprehensive hub for the hydrogen storage and transportation industry.
Additionally, Donghae City has outlined strategic initiatives, including the construction of a hydrogen production base based on water electrolysis, the designation of Donghae New Port as a hydrogen-only port, the identification of hydrogen and low-carbon green industry opportunity development special zones, and support projects for the industry conversion of hydrogen-specialized companies.
The city anticipates that the successful implementation of the project will generate 4,500 jobs within the hydrogen industry and contribute significantly to the local economy, with an estimated economic effect of 410 billion won. Moreover, the project is poised to play a pivotal role in the creation of a hydrogen economy belt, connecting the east coast areas of Gangwon, Gyeongbuk, and Ulsan.
As Donghae City forges ahead with its Hydrogen Storage and Transportation Cluster, it not only pioneers the transformation of the region’s energy landscape but also sets a powerful example for sustainable economic development driven by hydrogen technologies. This visionary move positions Donghae as a key player in the global transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.
