K-water signs green hydrogen cooperation deal with Plug Power and SK E&S

Korea Water Resources Corporation signed a memorandum of understanding on the 3rd in Albany, New York, with three companies—Plug Power, SK E&S and SK Plug Hyverse—to expand the supply of green hydrogen and boost the industry.

The agreement sets out areas for cooperation among the parties to accelerate the development of domestic green hydrogen production facilities, advance operating technologies and promote green hydrogen projects in Korea and abroad.

Korea Water Resources Corporation plans to foster green hydrogen companies in the water industry to help grow Korea’s green hydrogen sector and support the localization of PEM (proton exchange membrane)[1] electrolysis equipment. Together with SK Plug Hyverse and others, it will explore a range of cooperation opportunities, including joint research and development of green hydrogen operating technologies, collaboration on future businesses and joint entry into overseas markets.

PEM electrolysis can help ensure stable green hydrogen production despite fluctuations in renewable energy supply. Because it uses only water as a feedstock, without compounds, it produces high-purity hydrogen and is considered one of the most suitable next-generation technologies for green hydrogen production. [2] Spain, Germany and other countries have built and commercialized hydrogen production facilities using PEM electrolysis, while the technology in Korea remains at the demonstration stage and still requires further development.

Starting with this agreement, Korea Water Resources Corporation plans to maintain close cooperation with companies to promote green hydrogen in Korea and actively advance the development and adoption of PEM electrolysis technology. The corporation expects these efforts to establish a foundation for a stable hydrogen supply, strengthen the country’s ability to respond to climate change and help Korea become a leader in the hydrogen industry.

“The hydrogen industry is critically important as a key alternative to fossil energy for achieving carbon neutrality in an era of climate crisis,” said Jang Byung-hoon, head of Korea Water Resources Corporation’s Water Resources and Environment Division. “We will do our utmost to boost the green hydrogen industry by accelerating the development of next-generation technologies, including water electrolysis, through collaboration among companies.”