Chungnam Province, South Korea, has unveiled an ambitious $1.7 billion project to establish the country’s first hydrogen fuel cell power plant, featuring a cutting-edge data center and an advanced battery energy storage system (BESS). The transformative “Dangjin Green Energy Hub” was formalized on November 26 with a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by key stakeholders, including Governor Kim Tae-heum, Dangjin Mayor Oh Seong-hwan, Korea Southern Power President Kang Ki-yoon, and Samsung C&T Vice President Lee Byeong-soo.
Located on a sprawling 436,400㎡ site in Gagok-ri, Songsan-myeon, the hub will integrate:
- A 900 MW Hydrogen Power Plant: Comprising three 300 MW units, the plant will utilize clean hydrogen sourced from the nearby Songsan Terminal to deliver carbon-free electricity.
- A 300 MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS): Consisting of three 100 MW units, the BESS will store solar energy, ensuring a stable power supply for nearby facilities.
- An $860 Million Data Center: Powered by green energy from the hub, the center aims to support regional industrial growth and contribute to the global RE100 renewable energy goal.
The hydrogen plant’s cutting-edge design distinguishes it from traditional fuel cell systems, leveraging clean hydrogen to produce emissions-free energy. This renewable power will drive local industrial complexes and data centers, reinforcing Chungnam Province’s commitment to sustainability.
The fully operational hub, expected by 2032, represents a paradigm shift in clean energy integration. The funding breakdown includes 2.4 trillion won for the hydrogen plant, 900 billion won for the BESS, and 1.2 trillion won for the data center.
This groundbreaking project underscores South Korea’s dedication to renewable energy innovation and eco-friendly infrastructure, setting a precedent for sustainable development across Asia.