South Korea is ramping up its efforts to boost the development and adoption of hydrogen technologies. The country’s Ministry of Science and ICT recently held its first ‘National Strategic Technology Hydrogen Field Discussion Forum’ aimed at enhancing South Korea’s hydrogen technology competitiveness.
The discussions and the plans that emerged from the forum underscore the pivotal role that academia, research, and industry players are expected to play in the hydrogen space. Joo Young-chang, head of the Science, Technology, and Innovation Division of the Ministry of Science and ICT, highlighted the need for a cooperative and organic relationship among these sectors.
Hydrogen technologies are crucial to achieving carbon neutrality and significantly reducing South Korea’s heavy dependence on fossil fuels. As per a Deloitte analysis, the hydrogen market is projected to reach about $2.6 trillion by 2050, with clean hydrogen anticipated to account for roughly 78% of total hydrogen production.
Recognizing the promise of hydrogen technology, the Ministry of Science and Technology identified the hydrogen field as one of the ten national strategic technologies in October of the previous year. In November, they established a roadmap for hydrogen supply, targeting the development of a 12 MW water electrolysis system. The nation’s strategy involves setting comprehensive goals throughout the hydrogen lifecycle, from production to storage, transportation, and utilization. This strategic approach will stimulate mission-oriented research and development (R&D).
To effectively implement these strategies, a Technology Coordination Committee composed of public and private sectors will be established in the second half of this year. This Committee will be responsible for overseeing, coordinating, and reviewing science and technology policies in the hydrogen field.
In the forum, the Korea Institute of Energy Technology (KETI) presented a plan to align hydrogen R&D with national missions and to strengthen cooperation between industry and academia. The ‘Role and System of Hydrogen Actors’ plan detailed three core values for the hydrogen life cycle, setting the roles and cooperation plans accordingly.
To sum up, South Korea’s pursuit of hydrogen leadership, backed by strategic plans and collaborative efforts, will not only help the country secure key technologies quickly but also establish a robust and competitive presence in the global hydrogen field.
