Pohang Hydrogen Fuel Cell Certification Center Achieves Designation as 'KS Certification Product Review Delegated Agency'

The Only KS Certification Product Review Agency in Gyeongbuk, Second in Korea

Infrastructure and System Establishment, Boosting the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Industry Hub

On the 24th, Pohang Technopark was designated as a 'Fuel Cell KS Certification Product Evaluation Delegated Institution.'

In July 2021, Mayor Lee Kang-deok is touring the Pohang Hydrogen Fuel Cell Certification Center during the plaque ceremony held after it was recognized as an accredited testing institution.

This designation pertains to the testing and evaluation of stationary and mobile fuel cell systems. The KS certification product evaluation involves conducting various tests on safety, efficiency, and performance to assess whether the fuel cell system is reliably manufactured and if the product quality meets the relevant KS certification evaluation standards.

With this designation, Pohang TP has acquired the delegated qualification to evaluate products in the categories of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) systems and Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) systems.

As a core institution for establishing and fostering the hydrogen fuel cell industry base, the Pohang TP Hydrogen Fuel Cell Certification Center began its application for KS certification delegated institution designation in March this year. After on-site evaluations and review committee meetings, it ultimately obtained the delegated institution qualification for KS certification product evaluation in the fuel cell field from the Korea Energy Agency, which is responsible for KS certification of renewable energy facilities.

The Hydrogen Fuel Cell Certification Center was established in July 2019 in the 5th Venture Building of Pohang Technopark, based on the Daegyeong Region Fuel Cell Testbed Construction Project initiated in 2014. It is equipped with core fuel cell component certification and testing equipment and specialized personnel.

Subsequently, in July 2021, it was recognized as an internationally accredited testing institution by the Korea Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (KOLAS). Through the 'Hydrogen Fuel Cell Certification Center Construction Support Project,' it established a total of 32 units of 32 types of equipment, including 23 types of KS certification testing devices. After thorough preparation, it achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the only KS certification product evaluation delegated institution in Gyeongbuk Province and the second in South Korea.

Through the designation as a KS certification product evaluation delegated institution, the center has acquired qualifications for certification and testing across all hydrogen fuel cell sectors (KOLAS, KS certification, large-capacity facilities). It plans to lead the localization of components by resolving corporate difficulties, supporting R&D in the fuel cell field, and assisting certification and testing tasks, thereby establishing a foundation for the fuel cell industry. Furthermore, it aims to secure technological superiority and global competitiveness by pioneering standardization.

Baek Young-ho, Director of Pohang TP, stated, “Following the designation as a KOLAS internationally accredited testing institution for hydrogen fuel cells, receiving the KS certification delegated testing institution designation proves that the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Certification Center possesses international-level testing capabilities.” He added, “Pohang Technopark will take the lead to help secure the global competitiveness of the hydrogen fuel cell industry.”

Mayor Lee Kang-deok said, “With this KS certification product evaluation delegated institution designation, local hydrogen-related companies will be able to reduce the time and cost required for product commercialization evaluation.” He continued, “As infrastructure and systems that can accelerate the market entry of various hydrogen products are established, we expect continued investment from hydrogen-related companies in Pohang.”

In July, Pohang City’s 'Hydrogen Fuel Cell Cluster Construction Project,' which includes the establishment of a corporate agglomeration core, a component and material performance evaluation center, and a fuel cell demonstration core, passed the preliminary feasibility study. This is expected to create synergy and provide momentum for Pohang to become a central hub for the hydrogen fuel cell industry.

In particular, a system will be established where the entire process required for fuel cells to be produced and enter the market can be conducted within the region. Product development and performance evaluation by companies will be carried out at the Component and Material Performance Evaluation Center within the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Cluster, while KS certification for market entry of fuel cell products will be conducted at the Certification Center, establishing a one-stop system.

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