Clean Hydrogen Technology Accelerates... Continuous Achievements in Water Electrolysis Catalysts and Electrolyte Membranes

Ministry of Science and ICT Holds "Clean Hydrogen Technology Innovation Forum"
Sharing First-Phase Achievements of National Hydrogen Priority Research Labs

The development of clean hydrogen technology, considered a key energy source for responding to the climate crisis, is accelerating through collaboration between domestic research institutes and companies. Key areas such as water electrolysis catalysts, electrolyte membranes, and hydrogen carrier technologies are continuously achieving results aimed at localization and commercialization.

On March 4, the Ministry of Science and ICT announced that it held the "Clean Hydrogen Technology Innovation Forum" at the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology in Daejeon, sharing the first-phase research achievements of the "National Hydrogen Priority Research Labs" and future technological development directions. This forum was organized to review the achievements of the priority research labs, which launched in July 2024, and to strengthen collaboration with companies. The forum also discussed research and development directions for hydrogen technologies to achieve the national greenhouse gas reduction target (NDC) by 2035.

Reference photo to aid understanding of the article. New hydrogen charging station at Incheon Airport. The Asia Business Daily DB

Currently, the government has designated and is operating National Hydrogen Priority Research Labs in five fields: alkaline water electrolysis, polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) water electrolysis, solid oxide water electrolysis, anion exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolysis, and liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC).

Key Achievements in Water Electrolysis Technology... Commercialization through Corporate Collaboration

The Alkaline Water Electrolysis Priority Research Lab (led by the Korea Institute of Energy Research) has developed a highly active catalyst with higher performance than existing commercial catalysts, improving water electrolysis efficiency. The lab also introduced cases of collaboration with companies, such as the development of megawatt (MW)-scale water electrolysis systems and power converters.

The PEM Water Electrolysis Priority Research Lab (led by the Korea Institute of Science and Technology) developed an electrolyte membrane that operates stably for over 1,500 hours while addressing the issue of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are subject to environmental regulations. Joint research with companies to develop high-performance membrane electrode assemblies (MEA) is also underway.

The Solid Oxide Water Electrolysis Priority Research Lab (led by the Korea Institute of Energy Research) increased electrode process productivity by approximately 150% by applying AI-based process management and supersonic ceramic spray technology, and established a production system capable of manufacturing about 1,000 water electrolysis cells per year.

The AEM Water Electrolysis Priority Research Lab (led by the Korea Institute of Materials Science) developed a catalyst that achieves world-class performance while reducing the use of precious metals by 78% compared to previous levels, and has also generated actual sales through the commercialization of water electrolysis stack technology.

The LOHC Priority Research Lab (led by the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology) developed a hydrogen extraction catalyst with a lifespan 50 times longer than existing ones and proposed a method for transporting hydrogen produced at the Donghae Green Hydrogen Production Complex using the LOHC approach.

To expand the achievements of the priority research labs, the government plans to invest 25.1 billion won this year to drive technology scaling up and will pursue new projects worth 17.1 billion won, enabling companies to participate in the demonstration of water electrolysis materials and components. In addition, through the "Clean Hydrogen R&D Innovation Alliance," which includes 67 participating companies, the government aims to strengthen the connection between research outcomes and the industrial field.

Kim Seongsu, policy chief for R&D at the Ministry of Science and ICT, stated, "Localization and innovation in hydrogen technology are essential to address the climate crisis," and added, "We will actively support the priority research labs so that, in cooperation with companies, they can contribute to reducing greenhouse gases and creating economic value."

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