South Korea is gearing up for a major leap in the field of hydrogen mobility with the upcoming commercial operation of the world’s largest liquefied hydrogen plant in Incheon.
The joint efforts of SK E&S, a prominent energy company, and the Ministry of Environment are set to revolutionize the country’s hydrogen ecosystem by promoting hydrogen mobility and making significant strides towards sustainable transportation.
The Ministry of Environment, along with SK E&S, is paving the way for a cleaner and greener future with a focus on hydrogen mobility. A crucial aspect of this vision involves harnessing liquefied hydrogen as a viable fuel for various transportation sectors. Minister of Environment Han Hwa-jin recently visited the construction site of the Incheon Liquefied Hydrogen Plant, a groundbreaking project set to commence commercial operations later this year.
The Incheon Liquefied Hydrogen Plant is a remarkable engineering feat that boasts the capacity to produce 90 tons of liquefied hydrogen per day, equivalent to 30,000 tons per year. The liquefied hydrogen is obtained through a process of purifying gaseous hydrogen to a high purity and cooling it to an incredibly low temperature of minus 253 degrees Celsius, resulting in a liquid state. The plant is currently at an impressive progress rate of approximately 99%, and its commercial operations are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of this year after a successful test run.
One of the main objectives of the Incheon Liquefied Hydrogen Plant is to supply hydrogen for hydrogen mobility through liquid hydrogen filling stations. In anticipation of the start of liquid hydrogen production, SK E&S is actively promoting the construction of liquid hydrogen filling stations across key regions in South Korea. This strategic approach aims to ensure a smooth transition to hydrogen mobility, effectively replacing conventional fossil-fuel-based vehicles with hydrogen-powered buses.
SK E&S and the Ministry of Environment have been collaborating organically to establish an integrated value chain that covers the entire spectrum, from liquefied hydrogen production to distribution and the proliferation of hydrogen mobility. This comprehensive approach positions South Korea as a leader in the early establishment of a robust domestic hydrogen ecosystem. The focus on hydrogen buses as an integral part of this ecosystem further reinforces the nation’s commitment to sustainable transportation.
As part of their ambitious vision, SK E&S and the Ministry of Environment signed a strategic business agreement with major companies, local governments, and transportation entities. The agreement aims to convert over 2,000 hydrogen commuter buses by 2026, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing air quality. The transformative plan includes converting airport buses in Seoul, city buses, public institution commuter buses in Wonju Innovation City, and school buses operated by the Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education into hydrogen-powered buses.
In this collective endeavor, SK E&S plays a pivotal role in the stable supply of liquid hydrogen, the crucial fuel source for hydrogen buses. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Environment is actively involved in providing administrative and financial support to facilitate the conversion of hydrogen buses and the establishment of charging stations, creating a strong foundation for the widespread adoption of hydrogen mobility.
South Korea’s foray into hydrogen mobility through the world’s largest liquefied hydrogen plant marks a significant milestone in the nation’s journey towards a greener and more sustainable future, setting a commendable example for countries around the globe to embrace hydrogen as a key driver of clean transportation.
