Hydrogen Technology Development and Policy Status by Value Chain in South Korea

Global transitions from carbon- to hydrogen-based economies are an essential component of curbing greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. This study provides an investigative review of the technological development trends within the overall hydrogen value chain in terms of production, storage, transportation, and application, with the aim of identifying patterns in the announcement and execution of hydrogen-based policies, both domestically within Korea, as well as internationally. The current status of technological trends was analyzed across the three areas of natural hydrogen, carbon dioxide capture, utilization, and storage technology linked to blue hydrogen, and green hydrogen production linked to renewable energy (e.g., water electrolysis). In Korea, the establishment of underground hydrogen storage facilities is potentially highly advantageous for the storage of domestically produced and imported hydrogen, providing the foundations for large-scale application, as economic feasibility is the most important national factor for the provision of fuel cells. To realize a hydrogen economy, pacing policy and technological development is essential, in addition to establishing a roadmap for efficient policy support. In terms of technological development, it is important to prioritize that which can connect the value chain, all of which will ultimately play a major role in the transformation of human energy consumption.