S. Korea’s six locations to be transformed into ‘hydrogen cities’

In Pyeongtaek and Boryeong [Sources : Yonhap, SK E&S]

South Korea plans to transform six cities over the next four years to use hydrogen as source of energy to help it meet its goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

A total of 240 billion won ($19.27 million) will be invested in Pyeongtaek, Namyangju, Dangjin, Boryeong, Gwangyang and Pohang to build an infrastructure to produce, transport and use hydrogen in the cities, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said on Monday.

In Pyeongtaek, a hydrogen-based port, production complex and mobility district will be built to develop the city as a carbon-neutral infrastructure. A 15-kilometer pipe connecting such facilities from the production plant to the port, housing and commercial areas will be established.

Namyangju city plans to select Wangsuk-dong, one of three new towns being set by in Korea, to develop hydrogen-based infrastructure, which includes a new apartment complex and sports facility powered by hydrogen fuel cells, as well as hydrogen-based buses and cleaning vehicles.

Dangjin city is also expected to implement hydrogen fuel cells in housing, college dorms and public facilities.

Boryeong plans to develop the world’s biggest hydrogen value chain, combining the city’s liquefied natural gas terminal. Gwangyang plans to build a hydrogen-only port terminal, while Pohang city is working on a regulatory review to determine whether a construction project of hydrogen fuel cell facilities in the city’s industrial complex is appropriate.