Kim Gyo-heung of the Democratic Party of Korea to Push for ‘Hydrogen Law Amendment’
“Strategy for World’s No. 1 Hydrogen Industry Prepared”
Kim Gyo-heung, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, announced a plan to establish the ‘Korea Hydrogen Technology Institute,’ an institution specializing in research and development (R&D) of hydrogen technology, at the National Assembly. This move aims to secure global competitiveness by systematically fostering the hydrogen industry, which the government has also identified as one of its ‘110 major national tasks.’
According to the National Assembly on the 26th, Kim Gyo-heung, a member of the Trade, Industry, Energy, SMEs, and Startups Committee, plans to propose the ‘Korea Hydrogen Technology Institute Establishment Act (Partial Amendment to the Hydrogen Economy Promotion and Hydrogen Safety Management Act).’
The current hydrogen law, enacted in 2020 as the first of its kind globally, allows for the designation of institutions dedicated to promoting and overseeing the hydrogen economy, distribution, and safety to efficiently and systematically pursue necessary projects. However, as the focus is on the ‘systematic nurturing’ of the hydrogen industry, there has been a call from the field for an institution that can specialize in hydrogen technology to build a complete hydrogen ecosystem.
As a result, the amendment directs the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy to establish an institute for the development of core base technologies required for the entire hydrogen lifecycle, from production to distribution and utilization. This encompasses overseeing technology development across the hydrogen ecosystem, including production, storage, transportation hubs, and the development of mobility and fuel cell systems. The necessary expenses for the establishment and operation of the Hydrogen Technology Institute can be funded or subsidized by the minister within the budget scope.
Kim stated, “To build a clean energy hydrogen ecosystem, a professional support organization that comprehensively and systematically researches hydrogen production, storage, distribution, and utilization is essential. Through the establishment of the Hydrogen Technology Institute, we aim to create growth momentum for domestic hydrogen companies, prepare a strategy for nurturing the world’s No. 1 hydrogen industry, and contribute to national economic development and public safety.”