SEJONG - The South Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced its plan to closely monitor the hydrogen supply for automobiles amid recent disruptions in the central region of the country.
According to Yonhap News Agency, a meeting was held with officials from hydrogen producers, retailers, and regional governments to address the shortage of hydrogen, especially in charging stations in central areas including the greater Seoul area and Chungcheong provinces. The shortage has been attributed to delayed maintenance at hydrogen production facilities in Dangjin, located 78 kilometers south of Seoul.
Hyundai Steel Co., a significant local hydrogen producer, indicated that while partial completion of maintenance is expected within the month, full normalization of operations might take longer. The company accounts for approximately 20 to 30 percent of the hydrogen supply in the central region.
The industry ministry urged retailers to use surplus hydrogen from other facilities and assured that the government will actively work with businesses and relevant organizations to normalize the hydrogen supply at charging stations.