Samsung Edges ahead in Washer-Dryer Energy Test against Competition

Samsung Electronics is intensifying competition in the South Korean household appliance market with innovations in all-in-one washer-dryers.. Since both companies launched their latest models last year, energy consumption has become a key differentiator. The Korea Consumer Agency’s recent evaluation revealed that Samsung’s Bespoke AI Combo (WD25DB8995BB) uses approximately 1,160Wh per cycle—23% less than LG’s Tromm Objet Collection Wash Combo (FH25EAE), which consumes 1,432Wh. Samsung also demonstrated quicker operation, completing wash and dry cycles up to 30 minutes faster than LG. In standalone modes, Samsung maintained its advantage in both energy use and time savings. Home appliances usually require KC Safety certification in order to be approved for import and sale in Korea.

However, LG’s model showed superior performance in water efficiency, using 83 liters per cycle compared to Samsung’s 106 liters in the one-stop mode. This could appeal to environmentally conscious consumers focused on water conservation. As two of the nation’s leading electronics giants, Samsung and LG’s ongoing rivalry continues to shape consumer expectations, with energy efficiency, performance, and technological innovation becoming critical decision-making factors. The Korea Consumer Agency’s authoritative evaluations are playing a pivotal role in influencing public perception and driving product advancements.

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South Korea enhances Safety Standards for Hydrogen Refueling Facilities

The Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy (MOTIE) has approved substantial updates to the safety standards for hydrogen fueling facilities. The implementation has now been announced after the Korea Gas Safety Corporation (KGS) made adjustments to the KGS codes FP216 and FP217. These revisions are part of a broader initiative aimed at increasing their practical application in the industry. The updated codes feature an expansion of the scope previously limited to “Hydrogen Vehicle Charging Facilities,” now adopting the broader term “Hydrogen Fuel Charging Facilities.” This change opens the way for diverse hydrogen-powered transport modes to utilize these facilities more widely. Hydrogen systems, equipment and components generally require a KGS factory approval in order to be approved for import and sale in Korea.

Additionally, regulations regarding distances between fueling equipment and road boundaries have been relaxed under specific conditions. Facilities employing protective barriers are now allowed more flexibility in terms of required distances, enabling optimal space utilization without sacrificing safety.

Further flexibility in facility layout has also been introduced. Safety distances between hydrogen fueling installations and adjacent protective facilities or property boundaries can now be reduced, provided enhanced safety measures, such as reinforced protective barriers and dual automatic shut-off valves, are implemented.

Moreover, new safety standards specifically designed for hydrogen-powered ships have been introduced, aligning with recent regulatory developments and expanding safety provisions across different hydrogen fueling scenarios.

In line with international safety standards, the ministry has introduced a new safety performance evaluation system. This system, incorporating widely recognized standards such as SAE J2601 and CSA/ANSI HGV 4.3, provides detailed methodologies for assessing the safety performance of hydrogen fueling operations.

The updates also clarify operational procedures regarding interlock pressure settings. Compressors’ interlock pressures must now be set below the threshold pressures of safety devices positioned downstream, ensuring enhanced safety during operations.

Lastly, FP217 has been revised to ensure complete alignment with existing high-pressure gas safety management rules, particularly regarding requirements for protective shielding of equipment located within 30 meters of sensitive facilities.

Collectively, these changes significantly enhance safety management and offer greater operational flexibility, fostering a more extensive and efficient deployment of hydrogen fuel technology across various transportation sectors.

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Hyundai expands Hydrogen Bus Presence with over 1,000 Units Sold in Korea

Hyundai Motor Company has surpassed 1,000 units in cumulative sales of its hydrogen-powered electric bus, the Elec City FCEV, marking a major achievement in the advancement of eco-friendly urban transit. Introduced in 2019 as the first hydrogen urban bus globally, the Elec City FCEV embodies Hyundai’s extensive hydrogen R&D, initiated in 1998. Outfitted with a 180kW fuel cell system, 875-liter hydrogen tank, and a 78.4kWh high-output battery, the bus is designed for high-demand environments, achieving a range of up to 550 kilometers. The environmental benefits are considerable, with each unit potentially reducing CO₂ emissions by 72 tons annually. Hydrogen drive related components and equipment usually require KGS certification in order to be approved for import and sale in Korea.

To celebrate this milestone, Hyundai hosted an appreciation event on October 4 in Hwaseong, attended by stakeholders from regional transport associations and Hyundai’s Namyang Technology Research Institute. In a further push to scale hydrogen public transit, Hyundai signed an MoU with KD Transport Group earlier this year, targeting the conversion of 1,000 buses in the Seoul area by 2027. The company has also expanded its hydrogen vehicle line with the high-speed Universe FCEV and supports adoption efforts through incentives such as free repair parts valued at 40 million won per bus.

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S-Oil’s Hydrogen Infrastructure Project advances with Focus on Energy Efficiency

S-Oil is moving forward with its landmark Shaheen Project in Ulsan, committing over 9.26 trillion won to establish a next-generation petrochemical complex that integrates refining and chemical production. With completion targeted for late next year, the company is currently hiring experienced engineers to manage key processing facilities, including TC2C, steam cracker, HDPE, and LLDPE units. The project’s scope also includes a significant investment of 263 billion won in self-generation infrastructure at the Onsan plant. This involves the installation of gas turbine generators and waste heat recovery boilers to increase the site’s energy self-sufficiency from 10% to 42%. Hydrogen related system components and equipment usually require KGS Certification in order to be approved for import and sale in Korea.

Despite labor shortages and limited available construction sites, the project surpassed its progress target at the end of last year, reaching 51.8% completion—1.4 percentage points ahead of schedule. A central feature is the deployment of Saudi Aramco’s TC2C technology, enabling direct conversion of crude oil into petrochemical feedstock, which enhances cost-efficiency and positions S-Oil competitively on the global stage. As industrial electricity costs rise, the project’s self-generation strategy is expected to provide a decisive cost advantage.

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South Korea to launch Liquefied Hydrogen Inspection Center, Trial Operations slated for first Half 2025

South Korea is preparing to open its first dedicated inspection and certification center for liquefied hydrogen, with trial operations scheduled to begin in the first half of this year. Located in Eumseong, North Chungcheong Province, the facility aims to play a central role in ensuring the safe adoption and commercialization of liquefied hydrogen technology nationwide. Pressure vessels, safety valves and similar products used in conjunction with hydrogen systems generally require KGS factory approval in order to be approved for import and distribution in Korea.

The Liquefied Hydrogen Inspection Support Center, overseen by the Korea Gas Safety Corporation (KGS), was structurally completed in February 2025. Final preparations are now underway to install advanced testing infrastructure designed to evaluate the safety and performance of liquefied hydrogen containers and related components under extreme cryogenic conditions.

According to KGS Hydrogen Safety Policy Director Kim Hong-chul, once equipment installation is finalized, a series of trial runs will begin to verify system stability. The center is expected to transition into full operation later this year, with a formal opening ceremony planned around November.

Spanning over 8,000 square meters of land and offering nearly 2,000 square meters of indoor space, the center is backed by a KRW 33.2 billion (roughly USD 24 million) investment. It will house 23 categories of testing and certification equipment, totaling 27 individual devices. Among them are systems for vacuum insulation testing of hydrogen storage tanks and cryogenic functional testing of critical valve types such as safety valves and emergency shut-off valves.

The facility represents a significant milestone for Korea’s hydrogen infrastructure. As liquefied hydrogen must be stored at –253°C in a highly flammable liquid state, maintaining robust insulation and ensuring material resilience are essential. The center will support these needs by conducting key safety evaluations such as normal evaporation rate (NER) analysis and helium leak detection.

Beyond compliance testing, the center is also expected to function as a research and development hub for cryogenic technology. Mechanical testing equipment for impact and tensile strength assessments at cryogenic temperatures will support domestic manufacturers in advancing their hydrogen-related products.

Once fully operational, the Liquefied Hydrogen Inspection Support Center is set to enhance Korea’s regulatory framework, support innovation in cryogenic engineering, and accelerate the safe expansion of the nation’s hydrogen economy.

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