Gas Gong, Leading Eco-Friendly Energy Transition by Revitalizing Hydrogen Industry

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Haeyoung] Chae Heebong, President of Korea Gas Corporation, is actively participating in the government's 'Korean-style Green New Deal' project by revitalizing the eco-friendly hydrogen business. The company plans to lead a green energy transformation centered on hydrogen energy by participating in the entire hydrogen industry process, including hydrogen production, distribution, and infrastructure construction. Hydrogen is gaining attention as a new energy source that can replace conventional fossil fuels because it is inexhaustible and does not emit pollutants.

According to Gas Corporation on the 7th, the company plans to announce a hydrogen business strategy containing specific business directions within the first half of this year.

First, to activate the hydrogen economy, emphasis will be placed on hydrogen production and distribution. Starting with the establishment of a hydrogen extraction production base, the plan is to focus on expanding water electrolysis hydrogen and importing overseas hydrogen into Korea in the long term.

Gas Corporation will secure large-scale hydrogen supply conditions by 2030 through the construction of hub-type hydrogen production bases and integrated charging stations for supplying major cities. Hydrogen production is scheduled to begin in December next year through hub-type hydrogen production bases established in Changwon and Gwangju. The company will also secure fuel price competitiveness at the level of diesel by reducing hydrogen manufacturing costs and improving distribution efficiency. To this end, large-scale water electrolysis technology will be secured by 2030 to promote commercialization, and overseas hydrogen import and green hydrogen supply chains will also be established. The goal of Gas Corporation is hydrogen production and supply without emitting carbon dioxide.

As the 'hydrogen distribution dedicated institution' leading the domestic hydrogen economy, the company will establish a distribution system and carry out businesses related to hydrogen trading, maintaining appropriate prices, and supply-demand management across the entire hydrogen distribution sector. In addition, aiming for commercialization this year, a manufactured hydrogen charging station will be established in Gimhae, Gyeongnam, and a hydrogen charging station in Daegu Innovation City.

A company official stated, "We will faithfully implement the hydrogen business roadmap so that Korea can lead the future low-carbon and eco-friendly hydrogen energy era," and added, "We will continue to actively cooperate with the private sector and participate in the entire hydrogen industry process, including hydrogen manufacturing, supply, distribution, technology development, and systematic safety management."