South Korea is set to begin construction of its first nuclear-powered hydrogen production facility in October, marking a major milestone in its clean energy ambitions.
The demonstration plant, located in Sinam-ri, Ulju-gun, will be developed by Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) and is expected to become operational by March 2027.
Using electricity sourced from the nearby Gori and Saeul nuclear plants, the 10 MW facility will produce more than four tons of hydrogen daily through low-temperature electrolysis.
The hydrogen produced will qualify as clean hydrogen, emitting less than four kilograms of CO₂ per kilogram of hydrogen.
Ahn Ji-young of the Korea Energy Economics Institute noted, “Regardless of the power source, if it meets the greenhouse gas emission standards, it can be certified as clean hydrogen.”
The project also supports the larger hydrogen-specialised industrial complex in Uljin County, which aims to produce 300,000 tons of clean hydrogen annually.
The initial phase will supply 500 MW of nuclear electricity to produce 70,000 tons, with an anticipated production cost of 3,500 won/kg.
Full operations are targeted by 2030.
