[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] It has been found that the regional disparity in the distribution of hydrogen vehicles, which the Moon Jae-in administration plans to supply about 67,000 units by 2022, is severe.
According to data disclosed by Kim Kyu-hwan, a member of the Liberty Korea Party of the National Assembly's Industry, Trade, Energy, Small and Medium Enterprises Committee, the cumulative number of hydrogen vehicles nationwide as of November last year was 4,650, a 520% increase compared to the previous year (893 units).
However, looking at the regional distribution status of hydrogen vehicles, Ulsan leads with 1,241 units, followed by Seoul with 514 units, Busan with 480 units, and Gwangju with 474 units, showing smooth progress, whereas Daegu has only 4 units and Gyeongbuk only 7 units.
This means that the hydrogen vehicle distribution in Daegu and Gyeongbuk (11 units) is only 0.8% of Ulsan's and 2.3% of Gwangju's. In particular, Daegu (4 units) accounts for only 0.3% of Ulsan's and 0.8% of Gwangju's levels.
Also, regarding hydrogen charging stations, Seoul has 3 locations, Busan 2, and Ulsan 6, but Daegu has none, and Gyeongbuk has only one, making it inevitable that hydrogen vehicle distribution is delayed.
Currently, in regions without charging stations, even if hydrogen vehicles are delivered, it is difficult to operate them due to the lack of charging facilities.
Regarding this, Representative Kim said, "There are many misunderstandings that the government is bypassing Daegu and Gyeongbuk and only making efforts for specific regions due to the seriously low hydrogen vehicle distribution in Daegu and Gyeongbuk," and added, "We will demand the government to focus on developing the hydrogen industry in Daegu and Gyeongbuk for balanced national development."
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