Hydrogen Consumption for Mobility Grows 64% Compared to Previous Year

An eco-friendly hydrogen bus is passing through the streets of Gangdong-gu, Seoul. Photo by Hyunmin Kim

On the 27th, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy held the 4th Hydrogen Supply and Demand Council for Mobility in 2024 in Seoul, with participation from the hydrogen industry, public institutions, and related ministries. They shared the progress made so far and hydrogen supply and demand forecasts, and discussed measures to ensure stable hydrogen supply and demand during the winter season.

At the meeting, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy estimated that the demand for hydrogen for mobility by the end of this year will increase by about 64% compared to the same period last year (5,791 tons), reaching 9,499 tons. Additionally, the hydrogen demand during the winter season (December 2024 to February 2025) is expected to be up to 4,504 tons, while the supply is expected to be up to 7,865 tons, indicating that stable supply and demand management will be possible.

The Ministry of Environment shared the achievements in the distribution of hydrogen vehicles such as hydrogen buses and the establishment of hydrogen charging stations in 2024. The Korea Petroleum Management Service, the dedicated hydrogen distribution agency, presented plans for supply and demand management during the winter and Lunar New Year holidays. Hydrogen bus manufacturers shared plans to expand hydrogen bus maintenance centers by region in preparation for increased maintenance demand.

Lee Ho-hyun, Director of the Energy Policy Office at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, who chaired the meeting, stated, "During the winter season, proactive inspections are necessary to stabilize supply and demand and prevent instability caused by seasonal factors such as cold waves and heavy snowfall." He urged, "Please ensure perfect safety management of key facilities such as hydrogen charging stations."

He also added, "To ensure the stable operation of hydrogen buses and to prevent inconvenience for hydrogen vehicle drivers when refueling, we will closely monitor the hydrogen supply and demand situation and cooperate closely with related industries, local governments, and relevant ministries."

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