Easing Restrictions on Hydrogen Charging Stations Near Schools and Hospitals
Key Ideas
- Hydrogen charging stations will now be allowed near schools, hospitals, and roads, with eased separation distance regulations to promote the supply of hydrogen cars.
- The amendment to the Enforcement Rules of the High-Pressure Gas Safety Management Act will enable the establishment of hydrogen charging stations without strict separation distance requirements when safety devices are installed.
- Industry experts welcome the relaxation of regulations, which were stricter for hydrogen charging stations compared to compressed natural gas (CNG) stations, citing overseas examples with significantly shorter separation distances.
- The revision, expected to take effect in April next year, will include detailed standards for safety devices and will be based on international best practices to ensure safe installation of hydrogen charging stations.
Hydrogen charging stations in South Korea will soon see relaxed regulations allowing them to be built near schools, hospitals, and roads. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy has announced an amendment to ease separation distance regulations for these stations. Under the current law, hydrogen charging stations were restricted based on their proximity to certain protection facilities. However, the upcoming revision will eliminate these restrictions if safety devices are installed, ensuring safe operation. This move aims to boost the adoption of hydrogen cars, which has been slow due to regulatory barriers. Industry experts have long advocated for these changes, noting that current regulations are stricter for hydrogen charging stations compared to CNG stations. Overseas examples from the US, UK, and Japan show much shorter separation distances, highlighting the need for South Korea to align with international standards. The Ministry of Industry will define detailed safety standards and review global practices to implement the amendment effectively. Overall, the positive sentiment in the industry indicates optimism towards increased accessibility and growth in the hydrogen fuel sector.