As South Korea advances its clean hydrogen ambitions, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) is exploring innovative pathways that integrate nuclear and renewable energy with hydrogen production technologies. From low-temperature electrolysis demonstration projects to the development of high-temperature electrolysis capabilities, the company is working to strengthen Korea’s hydrogen ecosystem while expanding international technical cooperation. In an exclusive interview with SolarQuarter, Mr. Kong Young-gon, Vice President, Head of H2 & Smart Business Development, KHNP HyNew, discusses the company’s ongoing hydrogen projects, technological developments, commercialisation challenges and strategic partnerships aimed at supporting the next phase of clean hydrogen development in Korea and beyond.
1. KHNP is pursuing hydrogen production through both nuclear and renewable energy. How does the technology work, and what is the status of your projects in Korea?
Hydrogen can be produced by using electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis. When the electricity comes from low-carbon sources such as nuclear or renewable power, electrolysis can support the production of clean hydrogen.
In Korea, we are advancing projects at different stages. The Buan Clean Hydrogen Production Base is designed to produce 365 tonnes of hydrogen annually and is currently in commissioning. We are also developing a 10 MW low-temperature electrolysis demonstration project linked to nuclear power, which KHNP lists for completion in March 2028. These are important steps in building experience with project development, operation and integration.
2. KHNP has also discussed high-temperature electrolysis. What could this approach add to hydrogen production?
Low-temperature electrolysis uses electricity to split water. High-temperature electrolysis can use both electricity and heat, which may improve the efficiency of the overall process when suitable heat is available.
KHNP is working with industry, research and academic partners to develop Korea’s solid oxide cell technology and its industrial ecosystem. This work remains in development, but it could help broaden the technology options available for nuclear-linked hydrogen production over time.
3. What customer needs does KHNP’s hydrogen approach address, and what will be important for these projects to become commercially viable?
Customers need reliable hydrogen supply, clear delivery arrangements and confidence in the cost and carbon profile of the hydrogen they use. Our work brings together KHNP’s experience in operating nuclear and hydro power with hydrogen production, storage, transport and utilization.
For projects to become commercially sustainable, the full value chain needs to work together. That means having dependable electricity, suitable production and delivery infrastructure, committed buyers, and project economics that can support long-term operation. Demonstration projects help us understand these requirements and identify what must be resolved before larger-scale deployment.
4. What is KHNP doing to develop international opportunities and partnerships in hydrogen?
Hydrogen markets are developing differently in each country, so partnerships are important. KHNP has worked with the Czech Hydrogen Technology Platform on cooperation related to nuclear-based hydrogen production, fuel-cell technologies, policy and regulation. We have also agreed to work with the U.S.-based Electric Power Research Institute on research and technical cooperation that includes clean-hydrogen full-cycle technology.
These collaborations give us opportunities to share technical knowledge, assess project conditions and explore how hydrogen technologies could be applied in different markets. Our next steps will depend on local requirements, project feasibility and the partners and customers involved.
5. What will determine the competitiveness of nuclear-linked hydrogen, and what do you hope to achieve next?
Competitiveness will depend on more than the production technology alone. Project developers must consider reliable operation, safety, electricity and infrastructure costs, hydrogen delivery, and whether customers are ready to use the product.
Our near-term priority is to advance Korean projects and build practical experience across the hydrogen value chain. We are also developing high-temperature electrolysis capabilities and pursuing international technical cooperation. By progressing carefully from research and demonstration toward commercially viable projects, we aim to contribute to a stronger clean-hydrogen industry in Korea and support opportunities for future collaboration abroad.
Discover more from SolarQuarter
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
