Korea Strengthens Hydrogen Fuel Facility Standards
26. February 2026Korea’s Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment has officially announced revisions to the KGS FU671 Code governing hydrogen fuel usage facilities, following approval under Article 48 of the Hydrogen Economy Promotion and Hydrogen Safety Management Act. The update introduces new technical and safety requirements for hydrogen pipelines, extraction facilities, and fuel cell installations, reflecting the country’s continued effort to enhance hydrogen safety as infrastructure expands. Hydrogen related systems, equipment and components usually reguire KGS registration in order to be approved for import and sale in Korea.
A central amendment is the introduction of a dedicated thickness calculation method for carbon steel hydrogen pipelines installed outside business sites. The revised standard requires consideration of hydrogen embrittlement and adopts calculation principles referencing ASME B31.12 (Hydrogen Piping and Pipelines). In addition, where carbon steel is used for high-pressure hydrogen pipelines outside facilities, API 5L PSL2 materials must be applied to improve resistance to hydrogen-induced degradation.
The revision also establishes minimum process control requirements for large-scale hydrogen extraction systems exceeding 2,000 Nm³/h production capacity. These facilities must now be equipped with interlock control systems capable of automatically shutting off feedstock supply in cases of abnormal operation.
Further updates address underground hydrogen fuel cell installations. Where fuel cells are installed below ground level, operators must ensure that gas supply can be easily shut off from ground level, aligning hydrogen requirements with existing city gas safety practices.
The amended code also clarifies standards for overpressure safety device vent pipes, specifying that discharged gas must not be directed downward and refining minimum height requirements based on international references such as NFPA 2. Additional wording adjustments were made to eliminate ambiguities in provisions concerning riser valve installation and electrostatic grounding systems.
With these revisions, KGS FU671 strengthens structural integrity requirements for hydrogen infrastructure while harmonizing domestic standards with internationally recognized codes. The updated criteria are expected to enhance operational safety and regulatory clarity as Korea continues to scale up hydrogen deployment across industrial and energy sectors.
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