South Korea Advances Hydrogen Fuel Cell Innovation and Liquid Hydrogen Refueling Infrastructure
Ho Chi Minh City, July 16, 2025 – At the Vietnam–Korea Hydrogen Workshop 2025, Professor Jihyun Hwang from the Korea Institute of Energy Technology (KENTECH) presented South Korea’s latest developments in hydrogen fuel cell innovation and liquid hydrogen refueling station (LHRS) deployment. These initiatives are central to the country's decarbonization roadmap in the transportation sector.
Hydrogen is emerging as a key pillar of South Korea’s sustainable energy strategy. Beyond its use in power generation and heavy industry, hydrogen is gaining prominence in efforts to decarbonize transport—one of the leading contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
Professor Hwang introduced the design and operational efficiency of Hydrogen Fuel Cells (H2FC). These systems convert hydrogen into electricity without emitting CO₂, enabling fast refueling and high energy density. Major Korean companies including Hyundai, Doosan Fuel Cell, and SK E&S—as well as numerous startups—are actively expanding in this field.
A standout focus of the presentation was the rapid rollout of Liquid Hydrogen Refueling Stations (LHRS). Unlike conventional compressed hydrogen, liquid hydrogen offers superior efficiency in storage and transport, making it ideal for both fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) and buses.
Key examples include:
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SK Plug Hyverse, Korea’s first LHRS, with a capacity of 120 kg/hr—sufficient to serve up to 120 buses per day.
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Hyosung Hydrogen (a joint venture with Linde), operates a 200 kg/hr station for 150 buses daily. Liquid hydrogen is delivered from a CJ-operated production site in Incheon.
As of 2025, 21 LHRS stations have been established across South Korea, strategically located in provinces such as Incheon, Gyeonggi, Daegu, Busan, and Jeonbuk.
The integration of advanced fuel cell technology with nationwide liquid hydrogen infrastructure forms a vital foundation for South Korea’s hydrogen economy. It supports the nation’s Net Zero by 2050 target and opens pathways for bilateral cooperation with Vietnam in energy transition, technology exchange, and investment opportunities.
