Perspective view of a hydrogen fueling station in Jangheung, Pohang
POHANG, Sept. 23 (Korea Bizwire) –The city of Pohang in North Gyeongsang Province is fast-tracking the development of hydrogen refueling stations, which are pivotal to the deployment of hydrogen-powered vehicles.
At present, Pohang boasts 36 registered hydrogen passenger cars, but due to the absence of charging stations, these vehicles must be charged in other areas like Ulsan. The establishment of hydrogen refueling stations is a vital component in rejuvenating the adoption of hydrogen vehicles.
As per the latest announcement from the city of Pohang, they are allocating 8 billion won towards the construction of a hydrogen refueling station within the Pohang Iron and Steel Industrial Complex in Jangheung-dong, Nam-gu, with the aim of completing it by December.
This station will mark the first commercial hydrogen station in Nam-gu, with the capacity to charge up to 150 hydrogen buses daily. Additionally, Pohang has invested 12.8 billion won in the creation of a liquid hydrogen commercial fueling station at a public garage located in Yeongil Bay.
Further development includes the allocation of 12.8 billion won for the construction of a versatile hydrogen transportation complex. This complex will incorporate a liquefied hydrogen commercial charging station, a high-speed electric vehicle charging station, and other accompanying facilities.
Construction is scheduled to commence in 2024, with operational commencement expected in late 2025, following requisite administrative procedures and licensing.
The construction of these hydrogen refueling stations is anticipated to accelerate the availability of hydrogen vehicles. Several Pohang-based companies are actively contributing to the expansion of hydrogen vehicle adoption.
POSCO Pohang Works, for example, plans to introduce six commuter buses and three hydrogen passenger cars in December, coinciding with the operational launch of the Jangheung hydrogen refueling station.
Similarly, POSCO FutureM has plans to introduce hydrogen vehicles in the upcoming year. Furthermore, in Pohang, Hyundai Motor’s Pohang Hi-Tech Center offers complimentary inspection and repair services for hydrogen vehicles.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
