'Next-Generation Water Electrolysis and Mobile Hydrogen Fuel Cell' Development Launched... Support Projects Confirmed for First Half of the Year

Development of next-generation water electrolysis (anion exchange membrane) systems and mobile hydrogen fuel cells will be actively promoted.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on the 15th that it has finalized 10 support projects (24.3 billion KRW) for the first half of the year through a public contest and evaluation process.

In the hydrogen production sector, development of next-generation water electrolysis technology using anion exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolysis systems will commence. Currently, alkaline and polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) water electrolysis technologies are commercialized, but each has drawbacks such as low efficiency and large size (alkaline) or the need to use expensive precious metals (PEM), which act as obstacles to economically viable hydrogen production. In contrast, the AEM method has advantages such as easier miniaturization and the ability to use inexpensive materials compared to existing technologies.

Schematic diagram of a 1MW-class AEM water electrolysis stack module.

In the hydrogen storage and transportation sector, efforts will be made to enhance the performance and durability of core components and equipment for hydrogen refueling stations. Currently, compressors, coolers, and chargers developed domestically have lower performance and reliability compared to overseas products, causing difficulties in actual commercialization and distribution. Therefore, technology development and demonstration will be pursued to improve durability by more than 50% and reduce power consumption by more than 20%.

In the fuel cell sector, a mobile hydrogen fuel cell generator that can be used by both civilian and military sectors will be developed. Hydrogen fuel cells generate less noise and heat compared to conventional diesel generators, making them advantageous in military operation environments. Development and commercialization will be prioritized to meet the operational performance required by our military, and plans will be explored to utilize them in civilian areas such as disaster zones and outdoor concert venues.

Meanwhile, new hydrogen sector research and development (R&D) support projects for the second half of the year (8 projects totaling 23.4 billion KRW) will be announced at the end of May, and after an evaluation process, executing organizations will be finalized by August.