South Korea to Bid for 500 GWh/Year Clean Hydrogen Power and 930 GWh/Year General Hydrogen Power in H2 2026

June 20, 2026

S&P Global Energy South Korea

Overview

South Korea’s government announced adjustments to its clean hydrogen power introduction plan, aligning with global market trends and technological maturity. As part of this, the latter half of 2026 will see bids for 500 GWh/year of clean hydrogen-based electricity and 930 GWh/year of general hydrogen power. Government officials emphasize that this initiative will foster market evolution and system improvements, signaling Korea’s commitment to hydrogen as a key energy source.

In Depth

Key Findings

The South Korean government has announced it will conduct significant tenders in the second half of 2026 for 500 GWh/year of clean hydrogen-based electricity and 930 GWh/year of general hydrogen power. This move reflects the government’s strategic adjustment of its clean hydrogen power introduction plan to align with evolving global market trends and the maturation of hydrogen technologies.

Technical & Policy Details

According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, these tenders aim to increase the proportion of hydrogen fuel in the national power supply. ‘Clean hydrogen-based electricity’ refers to power generated using hydrogen with greenhouse gas emissions below a specified threshold during its production, while ‘general hydrogen power’ encompasses other forms of hydrogen-fueled generation. The government plans to leverage market mechanisms to select optimal hydrogen suppliers through competitive bidding, expecting this approach to drive efficiency and cost reductions across the entire hydrogen value chain, from production and storage to transportation and power generation. Although the tendered capacity represents a fraction of Korea’s total annual electricity consumption, it serves as a crucial pilot for future large-scale deployments.

Background & Context

South Korea has designated the transition to a hydrogen economy as a cornerstone of its national strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Following the announcement of its ‘Hydrogen Economy Roadmap’ in 2019, the government has actively supported hydrogen production and utilization across various sectors. However, rapid global market shifts and technological advancements necessitated a review of existing plans, prompting a more flexible and market-oriented approach. These adjusted tender mechanisms are a critical policy change designed to adapt to both domestic and international conditions, offering new business opportunities for domestic companies and encouraging participation in the global hydrogen supply chain.

Strategic Significance & Outlook

This substantial hydrogen power tender is expected to significantly increase the share of clean energy in South Korea’s electricity sector and contribute to the broader decarbonization of its industries. It is particularly anticipated to accelerate investment in clean hydrogen technologies and enhance the competitiveness of related domestic industries. The government intends to evaluate the tender outcomes to inform future hydrogen power market expansion and policy design, aiming to establish South Korea as a leading player in the global hydrogen economy. Furthermore, this initiative could stimulate international hydrogen trade and create export opportunities for Korean hydrogen technologies.

Source: https://www.spglobal.com/energy/en/news-research/latest-news/energy-transition/061626-south-koreas-clean-hydrogen-plan-to-keep-pace-with-market-development-govt-official

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