South Korean Lawmakers Call for Government Protection of Domestic Hydrogen Fuel Cell Market

Representatives Kim So-hee and Kim Yong-tae of South Korea's National Assembly held a press conference calling on the government to protect the domestic hydrogen fuel cell industry, which they argue faces collapse under current energy policy direction.

The lawmakers cited concerns that approximately 250 domestic hydrogen fuel cell companies are at risk without guaranteed minimum market conditions. They specifically requested that the government maintain a minimum demonstration volume of 200 megawatts over the next five years in the hydrogen power market.

The controversy centers on the Clean Hydrogen Portfolio Standard (CHPS), which requires power generation companies to purchase electricity from fuel cells. The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment is reportedly considering suspending or significantly reducing mandatory supply volumes for general hydrogen power, citing concerns that most domestic fuel cells rely on "gray hydrogen" produced from liquefied natural gas rather than renewable sources.

Rep. Kim Yong-tae emphasized that the annual greenhouse gas emissions from 200 megawatts of fuel cell power generation represent only 0.18% of South Korea's total power sector emissions—equivalent to two weeks of operation from a large steel mill's blast furnace.

The lawmakers also highlighted hydrogen fuel cells' suitability for powering urban AI data centers, which require less installation space than solar and wind alternatives. Industry projections indicate AI data center power demand will rise from 1,050 TWh in 2026 to 1,800 TWh in 2030.

Originally reported by Hydrogen Central. Read the full article →