JEJU-DO < invest Korea

Jeju Special Self-Governing Province took a significant step forward in achieving the key policy of the 8th Jeju Provincial Government, which is the establishment of a global green hydrogen hub and energy transformation, by commencing a pilot operation of Korea's first green hydrogen bus on September 4.

Embracing the Era of Energy Transformation

Governor Oh Younghun remarked, "We are propelling the energy transformation forward with the use of secure and eco-friendly green hydrogen. The selection of demonstration projects, beginning with 3.3 megawatts (MW), and progressing to 12.5 MW and 30 MW, underscores that with the right vision, it is attainable. Currently, renewable energy accounts for a mere 19.2% of the province's energy through output control. However, with green hydrogen production, the proportion of renewable energy generation can see a substantial surge. Jeju will lead the way in creating a net-zero carbon society where 100% of our energy is generated from green hydrogen and renewable sources."

Governor Oh conducted an on-site visit to the Haengwon Green Hydrogen Production Facility and the Hamdeok Hydrogen Charging Station at 9:30 AM that day. He inspected the process of green hydrogen production and observed the operation of green hydrogen buses alongside local residents. He also took a test ride on a green hydrogen bus, experiencing its safety and technological prowess firsthand.

Official Launch of Green Hydrogen Bus Anticipated within This Year

Jeju Province is poised to conduct trial operations of the green hydrogen bus on the Hamdeok-Halla Arboretum route (Bus No. 311 and 312). This will be done in tandem with a comprehensive assessment of the overall operational status of green hydrogen production, distribution, and utilization. Provided the operation proceeds smoothly, the province aims to officially open the route within this year.

On August 24, at the Haengwon Green Hydrogen Production Facility, green hydrogen with a purity of 99.99% was successfully generated. The green hydrogen is transported to the Hamdeok Hydrogen Fueling Station using tube trailers. Following self-facility inspections and fueling of the green hydrogen bus, test drives were performed without any hitches. This led to the initiation of the pilot operation of two green hydrogen buses without passengers, starting on September 4.

The project involving the "development and demonstration of hydrogen (600kg) and battery (2MWh) storage system leveraging renewable energy-linked green hydrogen production technology" is currently underway, with support from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and the Korea Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning. Jeju envisions an expansion in green hydrogen production using 12.5 MW and 30 MW green hydrogen production facilities. This will be coupled with an accelerated rollout of private sector distribution through the establishment of regional hydrogen fueling stations.

Moreover, aligned with the core objective of the 8th Jeju Provincial Government to establish a global green hydrogen hub, Jeju will spearhead the government's endeavors in fostering the world's foremost hydrogen industry. This will be achieved by establishing stable and clean hydrogen production and supply infrastructure.