Optimizing Korea's Energy System with Hydrogen: Unlocking the Path to Carbon Neutrality
Key Ideas
- Developed KIER-TIMES model for Korea's energy system, showing hydrogen's essential 27% role in attaining carbon neutrality by 2050.
- Highlighted the importance of hydrogen energy from renewable sources for grid stability and as a versatile energy carrier.
- Proposed strategies like increased hydrogen imports, enhanced water electrolysis efficiency, and prioritizing blue hydrogen for cost-effective carbon capture.
- Emphasized the need for sector-specific policy support to achieve Korea's carbon neutrality goals through energy system optimization.
A joint research team led by Dr. Sang Yong Park from KIER and Professor Dong Gu Choi from POSTECH developed an optimized energy system model for Korea, emphasizing the critical role of hydrogen in achieving the country's carbon neutrality by 2050. The KIER-TIMES model forecasts that hydrogen must constitute 27% of the energy supply, with an expected rise to 25% in overall energy use. The study also explores the import share of hydrogen, water electrolysis efficiency improvements, and the efficacy of carbon capture technologies. The research underscores the significance of evolving the energy system to align with Korea's specific energy environment and government policies. Dr. Park highlighted the model's international standard alignment and announced plans to further analyze sector coupling technologies for carbon neutrality.