Supply of 2,700 All Hydrogen Buses... Ministry of Industry Checks Hydrogen Supply Situation

2024 1st Mobility Hydrogen Supply Coordination Meeting

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy will hold the first 2024 meeting of the 'Hydrogen Supply and Demand Consultative Body for Mobility' in Seoul on the 28th, chaired by Lee Ho-hyun, Director General of the Energy Policy Office.

Through this meeting, the Ministry plans to review the supply and demand status of hydrogen for transportation in preparation for the expansion of hydrogen bus distribution this year, and to strengthen mutual cooperation among the government, local governments, and the industry to ensure uninterrupted hydrogen supply.

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At the meeting, the Ministry of Environment shared plans for the distribution of hydrogen vehicles and the construction of charging stations this year, including a cumulative total of 2,700 hydrogen buses. Local governments presented detailed plans for regional hydrogen bus distribution and bus charging methods, while the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport shared plans to expand fuel subsidies for hydrogen buses.

Additionally, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy projected the demand for hydrogen for transportation at approximately 15,000 tons this year, based on the distribution targets for hydrogen vehicles such as hydrogen buses, and urged the related industries to ensure uninterrupted hydrogen supply. The Korea Petroleum Management Service, newly designated as the dedicated organization for hydrogen distribution management, announced its 2024 business plan, including support for hydrogen transport vehicles to strengthen supply and demand management.

Hydrogen supply companies shared their hydrogen supply plans for newly scheduled operational facilities such as liquefaction plants, and major charging station operators shared progress on the construction of hydrogen charging stations for buses, including liquefied hydrogen stations and large-capacity gaseous hydrogen stations. Hydrogen vehicle manufacturers explained plans to expand bus production facilities, and in preparation for the expansion of hydrogen bus distribution, the industry agreed to cooperate to ensure there are no disruptions in hydrogen supply.

Director General Lee said, "Hydrogen buses are public transportation used by many citizens and consume about 40 times more hydrogen than passenger cars, making hydrogen supply management crucial for stable operation." He added, "The government will monitor the hydrogen supply and demand situation related to hydrogen bus distribution and will communicate closely with relevant ministries, local governments, and companies to ensure stable hydrogen supply."

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