Yesterday, Ahn Sung-il, director of the Korea Machinery, Electrical and Electronics Testing Institute (KTC), paid a visit to Changwon City Hall in Gyeongnam to discuss the potential collaboration in the hydrogen field test and certification project with Changwon Mayor Hong Nam-pyo and Changwon Industry Promotion Agency Director Jang Dong-Hwa.

Gyeongnam Changwon City is showing a proactive approach toward the development of the hydrogen industry. In this meeting, the director proposed cooperation to support the city’s burgeoning hydrogen industry. The focal point of their conversation centered around the establishment of the country’s first hydrogen infrastructure full-cycle management system, a plan that would be facilitated by the combined efforts of Changwon City and KTC.

The proposal detailed how KTC would assist in preparing a comprehensive management system for Changwon City’s hydrogen infrastructure. Mayor Hong reciprocated by vowing to actively cooperate to augment the Changwon hydrogen industry and enhance the competitiveness of local hydrogen companies.

Changwon City, is home to 27 hydrogen-centric companies including Doosan Enerbility (hydrogen turbine, liquefied hydrogen plant), Hyundai Rotem (hydrogen train), Beomhan Fuel Cell (fuel cell, hydrogen charging system), and EM Solution (water electrolysis facility, hydrogen charging system), holds a significant position in the country’s hydrogen industry. Remarkably, hydrogen companies in Changwon are responsible for the production of 50% of domestic hydrogen refueling stations, thereby contributing significantly to the growth of the domestic hydrogen market.

Considerable interest in domestic hydrogen refueling systems from overseas countries such as the UAE, Oman, China, and Australia is evident, though it necessitates various certifications from accredited testing and certification bodies for Korean-made products to enter the international market. This is where KTC, a top-tier testing and certification institution established in 2010, can play an essential role.

In recent times, KTC has intensified its tests and certifications in the hydrogen field, aligning with the global shift towards achieving carbon neutrality (Net Zero). Their proposed cooperation with Changwon City aims to foster the overseas expansion of domestic hydrogen companies.

Mayor Hong expressed optimism about the proposed cooperation between KTC and hydrogen testing and certification, stating, “In a situation where Changwon hydrogen companies are receiving attention from both home and abroad, the proposed cooperation is expected to significantly contribute to strengthening the competitiveness of the hydrogen industry.”