Strengthening Hydrogen Collaboration: New Energy Coalition and Chungnam Sign MoU
Recently, a delegation from New Energy Coalition and GroenvermogenNL visited Chungnam, South Korea, to exchange knowledge and insights on hydrogen innovation. This visit underscores the strong potential for collaboration between two frontrunner regions in the energy transition.
Chungnam is a region with significant industrial activity, hosting 14 coal-fired power plants, which collectively contribute nearly 25% of South Korea’s CO2 emissions. Recognizing the urgent need for decarbonization, South Korea has set ambitious plans to transition away from fossil fuels by 2030, with hydrogen playing a pivotal role. This pragmatic approach is guided by the principle that no single solution is enough; instead, a range of technologies and strategies will collectively shape the future of energy.
South Korea’s Hydrogen Ambitions
With limited domestic fossil fuel resources, South Korea is strategically diversifying its energy portfolio. The country aims to balance investments across green, blue, and turquoise hydrogen technologies, utilizing methods like:
- Carbon Capture and Underground Storage to produce blue hydrogen.
- Methane Pyrolysis to create turquoise hydrogen with solid carbon byproducts.
- Biogas-to-Liquid (BTL) Technology for cleaner alternatives to diesel.
- Ammonia and Hydrogen Co-Firing in power plants to reduce emissions.
South Korea’s heavy focus on high-tech solutions is evident in its substantial R&D investments. The delegation explored advanced fuel cell test centers and witnessed innovations by industry leaders such as Hyundai, which positions South Korea as a powerhouse in fuel cell mobility.
Collaboration in Action
During the visit, bilateral opportunities were explored through presentations by organizations like TNO (Netherlands), VTT (Finland), FhA (Aragon Spain) and FCI (fuel cell innovation leaders). These discussions revealed a shared vision for leveraging complementary strengths in technology and manufacturing. South Korea’s eligibility for Horizon Europe funding next year also opens doors for deeper integration into European research frameworks.
A highlight of the visit was signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between New Energy Coalition and Chungnam Province to strengthen collaboration in hydrogen technologies. This partnership will focus on mutual knowledge exchange, joint R&D, and the development of high-tech decarbonization solutions.
Why Chungnam Matters
Chungnam’s pragmatic approach to decarbonization, coupled with its cutting-edge hydrogen developments, makes it a pivotal player in the global energy transition. The region’s commitment to innovation aligns closely with Dutch expertise in hydrogen, creating a fertile ground for impactful cooperation.
The Path Forward
The visit to Chungnam underscores the importance of fostering international partnerships in tackling global challenges. By working together, the Netherlands and South Korea can accelerate the transition to a sustainable energy future, combining South Korea’s industrial scale and strength in technology with Dutch innovation and expertise on transitioning of the integrated value chain.
Author: Geerte de Jong, Expert Hydrogen
