Korea Launches Major Initiative to Localize and Scale Up Clean Hydrogen Technologies
29. January 2026The South Korean government has officially initiated efforts to accelerate the localization and commercialization of clean hydrogen production technologies. On January 23, the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT), led by Vice Prime Minister and Minister Bang Moon Kyu, held the first General Committee meeting of the “Clean Hydrogen R&D Innovation Alliance.” This marked the first in-person gathering of stakeholders from industry, academia, research institutions, and government since the alliance’s launch on September 9. The Innovation Alliance comprises 93 entities—including 67 companies, 10 research institutes, and 16 universities—and aims to achieve full localization (100%) of clean hydrogen production technologies by 2030. The collaborative framework is focused on five core technological areas: Alkaline (ALK) water electrolysis, Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolysis, Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells (SOEC), Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) electrolysis, and Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers (LOHC). These technologies will be refined and jointly demonstrated with end-user companies to drive commercialization. Hydrogen system related products and components usually require KGS Certification in order to be approved for import and sale in Korea.
During the committee meeting, which included over 20 participants such as MSIT officials, major end-user companies, lead researchers from national hydrogen R&D labs, and academic experts, the discussion centered on fostering full-cycle collaboration in clean hydrogen technology development. Attendees emphasized the need to transition lab-scale core technologies into real-world industrial applications by enhancing demand-driven R&D systems and expanding technology demonstration.
Industry representatives noted that South Korea still lags behind the U.S. and Europe in clean hydrogen capabilities and urged stronger government support for practical technology development and infrastructure for testing. Lead researchers from national labs responded by pledging to build trust through ongoing technology exchange and feedback between companies, universities, and research institutes. MSIT plans to invest KRW 119 billion (approximately USD 900 million) between now and 2029 to scale up domestic technologies for commercialization, focusing on the core components and materials required for water electrolysis. This includes performance verification systems to support technology demonstrations. Beginning next year, new R&D projects involving end-user participation from the early stages will be launched, and sector-specific technical subcommittees within the alliance will be created to strengthen inter-agency cooperation.
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