Jeju Island Pioneers Green Hydrogen Revolution in South Korea
Key Ideas
  • Jeju Island inaugurates South Korea's first commercial green hydrogen refueling station and production facility, with plans to scale up to 30 MW within five years.
  • The island aims to utilize excess wind and solar energy for hydrogen production to balance renewable power supply and demand, addressing grid overload issues during peak generation times.
  • Jeju offers subsidies for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and opened the nation's first commercial green hydrogen station in 2024, positioning itself as a global green hydrogen leader.
  • Despite higher production costs compared to retail prices, Jeju is committed to developing a full-scale hydrogen ecosystem and establishing the island as a hub for green hydrogen technology.
Jeju Island in South Korea is at the forefront of the green hydrogen revolution, investing in the nation's first commercial green hydrogen refueling station and production facility. The local government plans to significantly increase production capacity to 30 MW within five years, aiming to convert excess wind and solar energy into hydrogen to enhance renewable energy efficiency. With renewables already accounting for 20% of the island's electricity, Jeju faces grid overload issues during peak generation times, leading to temporary power plant shutdowns. To address this, the government sees hydrogen as a viable storage and balancing solution. Governor Oh Young-hun highlighted the importance of energy storage, especially during peak electricity demand in the evening. Jeju's early progress in green hydrogen development includes a 3.3MW production facility and a 2MWh battery energy storage system. The island also offers subsidies for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and has established the first commercial green hydrogen station in South Korea. While green hydrogen production costs are higher than retail prices, Jeju remains dedicated to building a comprehensive hydrogen ecosystem. Thomas Koller from Energy Systems of DNV in the Asia-Pacific region emphasizes the potential of green hydrogen as technologies advance and production scales, particularly during periods of electricity oversupply and price fluctuations. Jeju's commitment to green hydrogen positions the island as a key player in the global transition towards sustainable energy solutions.
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