[Interview with Kim Jae-hong, President of the Korea Hydrogen Association]
After the amendment of the law, it became the first legal commemorative day this year. The event scale has expanded with international forums and policy sharing among industry and experts. “Strengthening R&D support for material, component, and equipment companies.”
“[Seoul Economy]”
“We aim to make ‘Hydrogen Day’ the largest hydrogen-related event in the world. We plan to enhance its function similar to the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) held in Las Vegas, USA.”
On October 30th, in an interview with Seoul Economic Daily at the Korea Hydrogen Association in Seocho-gu, Seoul, President Kim Jae-hong announced plans to develop Hydrogen Day (November 2nd) into a comprehensive global hydrogen industry platform.
This year’s Hydrogen Day, the third of its kind, became a legal commemorative day following a legislative amendment last year. Consequently, the event scale is larger than last year’s. Pre-events are being held at Sebitseom in Seocho-gu, from October 30 to 31, with a commemorative ceremony scheduled for November 1. Various events such as the ‘Global Hydrogen Forum’, ‘H2 Business Summit’ policy seminar, Clean Hydrogen International Forum, Hydrogen Specialty Company Development Forum, and Korea-U.S. Business Exchange will be conducted. At the Global Hydrogen Forum, hydrogen policies from major countries like Australia, the Netherlands, the U.S., and Chile will be presented. The H2 Business Summit Seminar, with participation from significant hydrogen industry players like Hyundai Motor and SK E&S, and other member companies, will share industry policies and opinions. President Kim anticipates that by displaying items spanning the entire hydrogen sector at the Global Hydrogen Forum and conducting export consultations, the event can become a substantial megaplatform leading the global hydrogen industry. He plans to hold even larger exhibitions and international conferences next year.
This event highlights the Clean Hydrogen International Forum, which will showcase developments in the clean hydrogen ammonia industry and exchange domestic and international technical information. President Kim explained, “The clean hydrogen power generation bidding system is implemented for the first time this year to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from coal and natural gas power generation. As large-scale demand is secured, infrastructure and corporate participation will follow.”
Clean hydrogen refers to hydrogen that emits carbon dioxide below a specified threshold. In Korea, hydrogen emitting less than 4kg of greenhouse gases as CO2 equivalents per kg of hydrogen produced is recognized as clean hydrogen. Korean companies like SK E&S, Doosan Fuel Cell, Posco International, and Lotte Chemical are currently involved.
Based on this event, President Kim intends to significantly expand support for hydrogen companies in the future. He plans to establish a research consortium within the Association to aid in developing and commercializing new technologies for companies involved in hydrogen industry materials, components, and equipment. He emphasized the need for R&D to reduce costs in all stages, including production, storage, distribution, and utilization, stating, “Our hydrogen industry infrastructure is still inadequate, and production costs are high. The only way to bring costs down is through R&D.” He added, “Experts say the hydrogen industry is in its early stages. Market dominance will depend on who makes the investment. We will prepare an R&D roadmap and set up a consortium to support the needs of our members.”
The government announced the first hydrogen economy roadmap in 2019, but the hydrogen transition has been slower than expected. The roadmap aimed to distribute 67,000 hydrogen vehicles in Korea by 2022, but only 29,623 were supplied during this period. The target for hydrogen refueling stations was not met either, with only 213 out of the planned 310 units achieved. The slow spread of hydrogen is attributed to high hydrogen production costs and insufficient infrastructure. President Kim suggested, “Before profitability is secured, the government should lead by supporting infrastructure like production bases, pipelines, and storage facilities,” and that efforts should continue to expand hydrogen refueling stations and improve the deficit situation of operating stations.
The Korea Hydrogen Association is the only public-private consultative body among the five professional hydrogen-related institutions in Korea based on the Hydrogen Act. Led by Kim Jae-hong, who previously served as the First Vice Minister of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and President of KOTRA since March, it strengthens the control tower function across the entire hydrogen industry cycle and serves as a gateway connecting government departments, institutions, and companies.