The hydrogen city creation project, run by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transportation, has been concluded.
According to Gwangyang City, a business plan was developed and submitted to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Infrastructure along with organizations like South Jeolla Province, Yeosu Gwangyang Port Corporation, and POSCO Gwangyang Steel Plant in accordance with the guidelines outlined at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Infrastructure’s business briefing in April of this year.
Following revision and addition, it was chosen as the project’s final destination and reflected in the government budget; the 2023 government budget was then approved following the National Assembly’s decision on the 24th.
In Hydrogen City, a hydrogen ecosystem has been built for the city’s production, storage, transportation, and consumption of hydrogen. Hydrogen is used as the primary energy source for homes and vehicles. It alludes to a safe, clean city where everyone can feel it as well as not produce greenhouse emissions.
In celebration of Gwangyang Citizens’ Day, Gwangyang City staged the “2050 Hydrogen Economy Vision Declaration Ceremony” in October of the previous year. In accordance with the decision to choose the hydrogen city development project and the government’s carbon neutrality policy, it became a meaningful event by announcing the shift to a hydrogen economy in front of the populace.
Accordingly, the municipality passed the “Ordinance on Fostering and Supporting the Hydrogen Industry in Gwangyang City” in April of this year. In addition, the municipality held the “Gwangyang City Hydrogen Industry Development Forum” in December, attracting more than 130 residents and business representatives, to increase awareness of and interest in luring and fostering the hydrogen industry in Gwangyang City.
In order to produce and supply electricity and hot water, the city plans to build hydrogen fuel cell facilities in the Youth Happiness Housing and Seonghwang Multipurpose Sports Center (swimming pool) in Gwangyang-eup starting in 2023. Additionally, the city plans to convert city buses, commuter buses and cleaning trucks to hydrogen vehicles each year for a pilot operation.
In order to supply hydrogen produced as a byproduct from POSCO’s Gwangyang Steel Plant to hydrogen refueling stations, fuel cell power plants, and Gwangyang Port, it wants to install 19 km of hydrogen pipes.
In addition, a publicity center will be built where residents can experience hydrogen energy and learn about safety. An integrated operation center will also be built to monitor the production, storage, transfer, and utilization status of hydrogen in the hydrogen city development project in real-time.
We will support a demonstration project to convert yard tractors at the port and drones that will perform surveillance roles in the port to hydrogen fuel cells as a region-specific initiative.
From 2023 to 2026, the hydrogen city development project will be promoted, with a focus on Gwangyang-eup, Kumho-dong, and Doi-dong. 40 billion won will be invested, including 20 billion in city and government costs.
By forming a realistic estimate committee, developing a master plan, and creating a detailed promotion plan for the establishment of a hydrogen city, the city intends to start actively promoting the idea in January of next year (MP).
Energy management team leader Shin Oh-hee stated, “We will build a detailed promotion plan for the hydrogen city creation project so that it can become a successful project as soon as the 2023 government budget is enacted by the National Assembly.”
