An explosion occurred at approximately 1:20 p.m. on March 20 at the construction site of Lotte SK Enerut’s hydrogen fuel cell power plant in Sanggae-dong, Nam-gu, Ulsan.
The incident resulted in injuries to two workers, who suffered second-degree burns to their faces and legs. Both were transported to a specialized burn hospital for treatment.
According to preliminary reports, the explosion was triggered by a hydrogen leak while workers were cleaning a pipe by injecting hydrogen. Witnesses in a nearby factory reported hearing a loud “pop” at the time of the incident, but no fire was observed.
Local police and fire officials have launched an investigation into the exact cause of the explosion and are assessing the site for any additional gas leaks to prevent further hazards.
According to data from the past few years, the hydrogen energy sector has been growing at an impressive rate, with investments reaching unprecedented levels. This growth has been largely fueled by global initiatives to reduce carbon footprints, yet safety measures have not always kept pace with the rapid advancements in technology and infrastructure.
The Ulsan explosion is not an isolated incident. Statistics from industrial safety organizations indicate that construction sites dedicated to new energy sources, including hydrogen, have seen a higher frequency of incidents compared to traditional energy sectors. Despite these risks, the drive toward sustainable energy technologies continues to gather momentum, demanding that companies implement more rigorous safety standards to protect workers and infrastructure.
Technical data suggests that hydrogen, being the lightest and most abundant element, presents unique handling challenges due to its high flammability and wide ignitability ranges. Industry experts have previously highlighted the need for enhanced training and updated safety protocols when dealing with such volatile materials. This incident illustrates the urgent requirement for these measures to be adopted universally across the sector.
Several strategies have been proposed to mitigate the risks, including the development of safer fuel cell designs, enhanced safety training for workers, and the implementation of stricter on-site safety regulations. These measures aim to reduce the likelihood of accidents and lessen their impact when they do occur.
South Korea’s energy policy heavily focuses on the transition to renewable energy sources, and hydrogen technology plays a significant role in this agenda. Nevertheless, this transition must be balanced with adequate safety frameworks to ensure it does not endanger the very workforce that is driving the change.
