Installation of Hydrogen Charging Station at Government Sejong Complex... Second After the National Assembly

60 Hydrogen Vehicle Charges Per Day... Expansion of Hydrogen Car Distribution Expected in Happy City
"Symbol of Government's Will for Hydrogen Society Transition... 310 Charging Stations Installed Nationwide in 2022"

Hydrogen charging station at the Government Sejong Complex. It will be installed at 567 Eojin-dong, Sejong Special Self-Governing City. (Photo by Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and Ministry of Environment)

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] Following the National Assembly, a hydrogen refueling station has been installed in the government complex. The government emphasized that this completion symbolizes its commitment to transitioning to a hydrogen society.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Ministry of Environment announced that 'Hydrogen Energy Network (HyNet)' held the 'Government Sejong Complex Hydrogen Refueling Station Completion Ceremony' on the afternoon of the 31st in Eojin-dong, Sejong Special Autonomous City. HyNet is a special purpose corporation (SPC) for hydrogen refueling stations involving 11 companies, including Korea Gas Corporation and Hyundai Motor Company.

The completion ceremony was attended by Hong Jeong-gi, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Environment; Joo Young-jun, Director General of Energy Resources at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy; James Choi, Australian Ambassador to Korea; Kim Yong-seok, Deputy Director of the Administrative City Construction Agency (Happiness Agency); Cho Sang-ho, Deputy Mayor for Economic Affairs of Sejong City; and about 30 officials from related organizations.

The Government Sejong Complex hydrogen refueling station can refuel up to 60 vehicles per day. It operates 12 hours daily and can refuel up to 5 vehicles per hour. The government expects that the completion of this refueling station will significantly increase the distribution of hydrogen vehicles within the Happy City.

This newly completed refueling station is the first hydrogen refueling station installed inside a government complex. It is the second major national facility to have such a station, following the National Assembly hydrogen refueling station established by Hyundai Motor Company in September last year.

The government emphasized that this completion symbolizes its commitment to the transition to a hydrogen society. It is expected to alleviate public concerns about hydrogen safety and serve as an opportunity to change perceptions about refueling stations.

Currently, 45 hydrogen refueling stations (including 8 for research purposes) are operating nationwide, and the government has set a plan to establish 310 stations by 2022.

Since Sejong City is located at the center of the country, the government expects that the completion of the refueling station will enhance convenience for hydrogen vehicle users traveling long distances. It is also anticipated that the distribution of hydrogen vehicles will increase mainly among local governments and public institutions visiting the government complex.

To address safety concerns, the government plans to strengthen safety management at all construction stages through precise safety inspections and double checks (monitoring). Various promotions and the operation of hydrogen safety experience centers will be enhanced so that local residents can directly experience hydrogen safety.

Vice Minister Hong said, "I hope that the hydrogen refueling station established at the Government Sejong Complex, the center of Korea’s administration, will help dispel vague fears about hydrogen and serve as an opportunity to change public perception regarding its safety." He added, "The Ministry of Environment will do its best to accelerate the establishment of hydrogen refueling stations by utilizing the Future Vehicle Refueling Station Field Support Team and the Hydrogen Refueling Station Policy Council to improve convenience for hydrogen vehicle drivers."

Director General Joo stated, "Centered on the Korea Gas Safety Corporation, designated as the hydrogen safety agency, thorough safety management will be ensured throughout the entire hydrogen lifecycle, including production, transportation, storage, and utilization." He added, "We will strive to supply more affordable hydrogen to refueling stations to enhance benefits for both operators and consumers."

Lee Moon-gi, Director of the Happiness Agency, said, "Following the Government Sejong Complex hydrogen refueling station, we plan to establish the second hydrogen refueling station in Daepyeong-dong in the first half of next year." He added, "The Happiness Agency will do its best to improve convenience for hydrogen vehicle drivers and to revitalize the hydrogen economy."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.