South Korea is planning a large-scale green hydrogen complex at Saemangeum that would combine solar power generation, hydrogen production and electricity generation at a single site in Buan, North Jeolla Province., Energy Monitor reported
Korea South-East Power (KOEN) and the Saemangeum Development Agency signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) covering the proposed project.
The development would span about 10.1 square kilometres and include 1GW of onshore solar capacity, a 320MW water electrolysis facility and 100MW of hydrogen-only power generation.
KOEN and the Saemangeum Development Agency said the project would be South Korea’s first commercial-scale integrated demonstration combining solar power, hydrogen production through electrolysis and electricity generation using hydrogen.
Under the proposed system, solar power would be used to run electrolysers that produce green hydrogen. The hydrogen would then be stored and converted back into electricity when additional power is needed or when demand on the grid rises.
The system, known as power-to-gas-to-power (P2G2P), could help use surplus solar power that might otherwise be curtailed when renewable generation exceeds the grid’s capacity. It would also allow electricity generated from stored hydrogen to be supplied when required.
The project remains at an early stage, with the MoU representing an intention to develop the project rather than a final investment decision.
KOEN is discussing the formation of a special-purpose company with several businesses and is working to establish supply chains for the equipment required. The Saemangeum Development Agency will provide land, support the permitting process and help build local support for the project.
KOEN will develop the project’s business model and plans to share its economic benefits with the local community. A consultative group is also being established to support the development.
Saemangeum already has hydrogen-related projects, including an operating commercial water-electrolysis facility and planned investments by Hyundai Motor Group in hydrogen and related technologies.
The proposed 320MW electrolysis facility would be significantly larger than existing facilities in the area.
KOEN also plans to connect the project to South Korea’s clean-hydrogen electricity market, where procurement for clean hydrogen power in 2026 has been set at 500 GWh.
Electricity generated from stored hydrogen could qualify for long-term supply contracts. KOEN sees such contracts as important because producing hydrogen from electricity and then converting it back into electricity involves higher costs and energy losses than supplying power directly to the grid.
