Samsung C&T on March 25 announced its completion of a green hydrogen plant (pictured) linked to solar power generation in Gimcheon, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province. (Samsung C&T)

By Charles Audouin

The nation's first off-grid clean hydrogen plant exclusively powered by renewable energy has begun operations

Samsung C&T on March 25 announced its completion of a green hydrogen facility linked to solar power generation in Gimcheon, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, whose construction began in 2023. The plant receives no external electricity or gas and uses only solar energy to perform water electrolysis for hydrogen production.

The new facility can produce 600 kg of eco-friendly hydrogen daily, or 230 tons a year, through solar power (8.3 megawatts) and water electrolysis (10 megawatts) facilities. The hydrogen produced here is connected to related regional infrastrcture for supply to hydrogen vehicle recharging stations.

In August last year, green hydrogen was picked as one of the government's 15 "super-innovative" economic flagship projects, and will receive stronger support through higher budget and streamlining of regulations.

"The green hydrogen production complex in Gimcheon will greatly contribute to laying the basis for clean hydrogen production and building an industrial ecosystem in the country," Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment Kim Sunghwan said at the facility's completion ceremony.

"The government will do its best to strengthen domestic industrial competitiveness and develop the ecosystem to expand the use of clean hydrogen, which is crucial for the decarbonization of sectors like steel that struggle to reduce greenhouse gas emissions."

caudouin@korea.kr