Strengthening Subsidies and Refueling Infrastructure
Accelerating Emissions Reduction in the Transportation Sector
Chungnam Province, a leader in national carbon neutrality policies, is accelerating the transition to hydrogen-powered transportation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector.
The provincial government is significantly expanding support for hydrogen bus purchases, enhancing refueling infrastructure, and has begun establishing a zero-emission public transportation system.
On January 27, Chungnam Province announced that it has secured a total of 40.275 billion won this year for hydrogen vehicle purchase subsidies and will expand the supply of hydrogen buses and passenger vehicles.
This amount is 11.115 billion won higher than last year, and the province aims to accelerate the realization of carbon neutrality in the transportation sector through this increased funding.
According to the province, when transportation companies purchase hydrogen buses, the subsidy per vehicle has been raised to 33 million won for low-floor buses and 110 million won for high-floor buses.
In particular, to reduce the burden on public transportation operators, the province has strengthened tailored support reflecting the characteristics of each bus type. The subsidy for hydrogen passenger vehicles will remain at the same level as last year.
This year, the total number of supported vehicles-including passenger cars and buses-will be 456, a significant increase from last year. The province will not only expand distribution but also implement measures to ensure the stable operation of hydrogen buses.
Chungnam will provide separate support for the replacement cost of fuel cell stacks, a key component, to reduce the maintenance and management burden on transportation companies.
Starting with the opening of a hydrogen refueling station in Boryeong this year, the province plans to sequentially expand stations in Gyeryong, Buyeo, Cheonan, and other locations.
Currently, hydrogen refueling stations are operating in several cities and counties within the province, and there are plans to continuously improve accessibility through additional stations in the mid- to long-term.
The province aims to establish an eco-friendly transportation system and structurally reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector through the phased introduction of hydrogen buses and expansion of refueling infrastructure.
Details such as the subsidy amounts for hydrogen vehicle purchases and application procedures can be found on each city and county's official website and on the Integrated Zero-Emission Vehicle Portal.
Kim Youngmyung, Director of the Environment and Forest Bureau of Chungnam Province, stated, "We will steadily promote carbon neutrality in the transportation sector by expanding the supply of hydrogen vehicles and building charging infrastructure," adding, "We will focus our policy capabilities so that Chungnam can lead Korea's transportation transition as a special carbon-neutral economic province."
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