South Korea Experiences Surge in Hydrogen Fuel Demand for Mobility Sector
Key Ideas
- South Korea's hydrogen fuel demand in the mobility sector increased by 64% in 2024, driven by a rise in hydrogen buses.
- The country recorded 9,499 tons of hydrogen fuel demand this year, up from 5,791 tons in the previous year.
- The government plans to expand the number of hydrogen fuel cell buses to 20,000 by 2030, marking a significant growth trajectory.
- The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy is closely monitoring hydrogen supply to ensure seamless operations for hydrogen buses and drivers.
South Korea has witnessed a substantial surge in the demand for hydrogen fuel in the mobility sector, with a notable 64% increase in 2024 compared to the previous year. This rise can be attributed to the growing adoption of hydrogen buses in the country. According to data compiled by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the demand for hydrogen fuel in the mobility sector reached 9,499 tons in 2024, a significant jump from the 5,791 tons recorded in the previous year. The government's initiatives in this sector have been evident, with the number of hydrogen fuel cell buses reaching 1,000 units, up from 650 in the previous year. Looking ahead, the government aims to further expand this number to 20,000 by the year 2030. This ambitious goal signifies a strong commitment to promoting hydrogen as a key element in the transportation sector. Lee Ho-hyeon, a senior official at the Ministry, emphasized the importance of closely monitoring hydrogen supply to ensure the smooth operation of hydrogen buses and to avoid any inconvenience for hydrogen car drivers. This positive growth trend reflects South Korea's proactive approach towards embracing hydrogen as a clean energy source for advancing its transportation sector.