The South Korean government plans to build a network of 310 hydrogen charging stations across the country by 2022 to help encourage growth the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) technology.
A statement by the ministry of trade, industry and energy this week confirmed the government was speeding out the roll-out of refueling stations for FCEVs, with 260 charging stations expected to be operational in major cities within three years and a further 60 located on major expressways. By the end of 2019 it plans to have 86 refueling stations in place nationwide.
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The government expects there will be 67,000 hydrogen FCEVs in use in the country by 2022, consuming a combined 30,000 tonnes of hydrogen per year.
It wants these vehicles to be within 15 minutes' drive from charging stations to make them more attractive to buyers.
A ministry official said the government "plans to build a hydrogen refueling network to reflect various factors, including the number of registered hydrogen vehicles as well as population and traffic volumes in each region".
Most of the network roll-out will involve adding hydrogen storage tanks and delivery systems to existing petrol, LPG and CNG refueling stations to help minimise costs.
The government has identified the "hydrogen economy" as a key source of future economic for the country and fundamental in achieving its long-term CO2 emissions reduction targets.
Local carmaker Hyundai is one of the global leaders in hydrogen fuel cell technology and will benefit from a strong domestic market.
