Hydrogen safety management will be implemented starting on the 5th of this month, according to an announcement made by Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy.
Manufacturing permits and licenses for hydrogen products such as hydrogen production facilities, mobile fuel cells, and fixed fuel cells are required in the Hydrogen Act’s safety management area. The registration system and safety inspections are the primary objectives.
The Korea Gas Safety Corporation must conduct a technical review and issue a manufacturing license to domestic hydrogen product manufacturers. The Gas Safety Corporation conducts a technical review and a factory inspection, and then the Ministry of Industry registers the company to manufacture hydrogen products.
A maximum of two years in prison or a fine of up to 20 million won is the penalty for making hydrogen products without a manufacturing license. In addition, before selling or using hydrogen products, manufacturers and importers must be inspected by the Gas Safety Corporation. Uninspected production or import of hydrogen products may result in a year in prison or a fine of no more than 10 million won.
The Ministry of Industry and Gas Safety formed a TF of industry, academia, and research experts, including domestic hydrogen product manufacturers, and established and revised a total of six safety standards prior to the law’s enforcement.
Until 2023, the Korea Gas Safety Corporation’s test and research building will house a temporary hydrogen product inspection station for that purpose.
The hydrogen product inspection support center currently under construction will begin conducting inspections in 2024.
