South Korea picks Western Australia as sustainable hydrogen hub

Western Australia could soon be shipping sustainably-produced hydrogen to South Korea.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Korean Electric Power Corporation and the Western Green Energy Hub, which is expected to result in hydrogen fuel being produced in WA before being shipped 8000km to South Korea.

The 20-year project is said to cover 15,000 square kilometres in the Goldfields-Esperance region in the state's south, with the power to convert hydrogen from water to come from 3000 wind turbines and 25 million solar panel modules.

Once complete, it's estimated the hub will produce 3.5 million tonnes of 'green' hydrogen annually.

The project has received the backing of the Western Australian Government, which says thousands of jobs will be created for locals.

In February 2023, the South Korean Government expanded its multi-million dollar subsidy program for hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles, increasing the rebate to 22.5M won – or $AU26,000.

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The federal subsidy is on top of state-funded subsidies of up to 33.5M won – equating to a further $AU39,000, and effectively halving the cost of hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles.

South Korean car giant Hyundai has been a strong proponent of hydrogen fuel-cell technology, helping to build some of the few hydrogen refuelling stations in major cities in Australia, as well as providing the hydrogen-powered Nexo SUV to government agencies for use.

The news comes just weeks after the Victorian and Federal Governments announced a $51 million hydrogen project at the border with New South Wales – however, this hydrogen will be mixed in a 10 per cent mix with gas supplied to homes.