S Korea looks to roll out H2 certification system

Market: Hydrogen
21/07/22

The South Korean government has announced plans to introduce a hydrogen certification system in 2024, aiming to expand institutional support for the country's hydrogen economy.

The government is carrying out research to prepare the certification system, which will take into account hydrogen production methods, international trends and domestic industrial status, the country's industry and trade ministry (Motie) said on 20 July. The draft will be released in 2023, with the system to be implemented in 2024.

Motie is seeking to address the need for a clean hydrogen certification system, as well as incentives for various hydrogen production methods like ammonia and carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS). An amendment to the Hydrogen Act was also recently passed to establish a legal basis for the creation of a clean hydrogen market, Motie said.

Various institutional support for hydrogen power generation sources is required for hydrogen and ammonia co-fired power generation policy and related systems. The government aims to introduce a "clean hydrogen power system" for hydrogen power plants in 2023, although more details on the plan were not provided.

The government has set a target to supply 100pc of hydrogen demand in 2050, or 27.9mn t, with clean hydrogen, and expand its clean hydrogen self-sufficiency rate to over 60pc.

"Hydrogen is the core of the new energy industry, and the government will provide solid institutional support to revitalise private investment," said Motie's second vice-minister Park Il-joon.

Motie will also provide policy support and regulatory innovations to support a privately-led hydrogen fund that was launched in early July, it said. Industry body Korean H2 Business Summit launched the hydrogen fund with the aim of raising 500bn South Korean won ($381mn) by the end of this year, to enable it to start making investments in 2023.

Motie also highlighted the need for more hydrogen charging infrastructure such as fuel cells to be installed in existing gas and LPG charging stations to increase accessibility.

South Korea has been increasing its decarbonisation efforts, with the government attempting to achieve 2050 net-zero emissions through a complete coal phase-out. The western province of South Chungcheong is planning to build hydrogen fuel cell plants following the planned retirement of its 14 coal-fired units by 2032.

South Korean companies have also started investing in hydrogen, with automakers Hyundai and Rolls Royce agreeing to jointly develop hydrogen fuel cell technology, and LG Chem planning to build a 50,000 t/yr hydrogen plant in Daesan by 2024.

By Dinise Chng

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By Reina Maeda and Nanami Oki Japanese firms' methanol projects Methanol-fuelled ships Company # of vessel Type Target commercialisation Announcement Mitsubishi Gas Chemical, Mitsui OSK Line 1 Ocean-going methanol carrier Jul-05 May-23 Toyofuji Shipping, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries 2 Ro-Ro vessel 2027-28 fiscal year Jun-24 Mitsui OSK Line 1 Coastal methanol carrier Dec-24 Jul-24 NS United Kaiun, Nihon Shipyard, Jaman Marine United, Imabari Shipbuilding Multiple Bulk carrier After 2027-28 fiscal year May-24 Orix, Tsuneishi Shipbuilding 2 Bulk carrier Jul-24 Production Company Product Country Target commercialisation Target capacity (t/yr) Mitsui E-methanol US Jan-24 1630000 Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Bio-methanol Japan Jun-24 Small amount Mitsubishi Gas Chemical, Kobelco E-methanol Japan NA NA Cosmo, Toyo Engineering E-methanol Japan NA NA Sumitomo Chemical E-methanol Japan 2030s NA Mitsui, Asahi Kasei Bio-methanol US Jun-23 NA Toyo Engineering E-methanol India 2030 NA Investment Company Product Country Target commercialisation Target capacity (t/yr) Mitsui E-methanol Denmark NA 42,000 Idemitsu E-methanol Brazil, US, Chile, Uruguay, Australia 2,030 4,000,000 JOGMEC E-methanol Brazil, US, Chile, Uruguay, Australia 2,030 4,000,000 Mitsu OSK Line E-methanol Brazil, US, Chile, Uruguay, Australia 2,030 4,000,000 Table source: Firm's company releases Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2024. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

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