The current global focus on hydrogen is driven by two main factors. First, the foundation of hydrogen is
strong, as a number of proven technologies have emerged. Second, businesses and governments are aware
of the shared problem of climate change, and they have realized that reaching climate goals are impossible
without the utilization of hydrogen technologies. In Korea, significant hydrogen R&D progress has been made.
Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) is the government research institute that focuses on hydrogen
technology R&D, and KIER is investigating a number of hydrogen technologies such as electrolyzers, hydrogen
production units, transportation options, and storage technologies. Because the renewable resources in
Korea are relatively low, much of the hydrogen demand will need to be met with imports. Thus, South Korea
is primarily focused on transportation and storage R&D. The UK has also recognized the emergent need for
hydrogen technology utilization to meet climate goals, and they have undertaken a number of partnerships
and hydrogen projects. The UK is expected to release a National Hydrogen Strategy in the near future that
will detail the government’s action plan to realize a hydrogen future.
