Korea is stepping up its efforts in clean hydrogen technology development, aiming to achieve 100% domestic production capability by 2030 through strategic research and development (R&D) initiatives.

The establishment of the ‘National Hydrogen Key Research Lab’ underscores this commitment, focusing on enhancing research capabilities across five crucial fields.

This initiative aims to increase the localization rate of electrolysis technology from the current 60% to 100% by 2030. With an investment of 88.1 billion won over six years, these labs will serve as innovation hubs, fostering collaboration between universities, research institutes, and companies.

Internationally, clean hydrogen is gaining traction as a pivotal energy source due to its zero greenhouse gas emissions and efficient storage capabilities. The International Energy Agency forecasts a substantial increase in global hydrogen demand, with significant applications anticipated in new sectors like electricity generation.

Market analysis by Markets and Markets projects robust growth in the hydrogen production industry, expecting it to expand from $160 billion in 2022 to $263.5 billion by 2027. Korea’s strategic focus on technology localization aims to position the country as a key player in this evolving global market.