South Korea Green Hydrogen & Ammonia Market

South Korea Green Hydrogen & Ammonia Market valued at USD 1.6 Bn, driven by government initiatives and clean energy demand, aiming for 6.2M tons production by 2040 with robust growth in industrial applications.

The South Korea Green Hydrogen & Ammonia Market is valued at USD 1.6 billion, based on a five-year historical analysis. This valuation reflects the combined market size for ammonia and green hydrogen, with ammonia accounting for the majority share and green hydrogen representing a rapidly growing segment. Growth is primarily driven by increasing demand for clean energy solutions, robust government initiatives promoting hydrogen as a strategic energy carrier, and technological advancements in production and storage. The market is experiencing a surge in investments targeting infrastructure development and production capacity expansion, as South Korea accelerates its energy transition and carbon neutrality objectives.

Key regional hubs include Seoul, Ulsan, and Incheon, which lead due to their strategic locations, advanced industrial ecosystems, and significant investments in renewable energy and hydrogen infrastructure. These cities play a pivotal role in the deployment of hydrogen projects, supported by local government policies that incentivize innovation and sustainability in clean energy production.

In 2023, the South Korean government enacted the Hydrogen Economy Roadmap, aiming to produce 6.2 million tons of hydrogen annually by 2040. The roadmap is supported by binding regulatory instruments such as the Hydrogen Act, 2020 issued by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, which mandates operational standards, safety compliance, and funding mechanisms for hydrogen production, storage, and distribution. This framework positions South Korea at the forefront of the global hydrogen economy, with concrete targets and regulatory support for clean hydrogen and ammonia technologies.

South Korea Green Hydrogen & Ammonia Market Segmentation

By Type:

The market is segmented into various types, including Electrolytic Hydrogen, Biomass Hydrogen, Photovoltaic Hydrogen, Wind Energy Hydrogen, Green Ammonia (Electrolysis-based), Blue Ammonia, and Others. Among these, Electrolytic Hydrogen is currently the leading sub-segment due to its efficiency and the growing adoption of electrolyzers powered by renewable energy sources. The increasing focus on reducing carbon emissions and the transition towards sustainable energy solutions are driving the demand for electrolytic hydrogen, making it a preferred choice for many industries.

By End-User:

The end-user segmentation includes Industrial (Chemicals, Petrochemicals, Steel, Refining), Transportation (Fuel Cell Vehicles, Shipping, Rail), Power Generation (Co-firing, Gas Turbines, Energy Storage), Fertilizer & Agriculture, Residential & Commercial, and Others. The Industrial segment is the dominant end-user, driven by the need for hydrogen in chemical processes and refining operations. The increasing focus on decarbonization in industrial applications is propelling the demand for green hydrogen, making it a critical component in achieving sustainability goals.

South Korea Green Hydrogen & Ammonia Market Competitive Landscape

The South Korea Green Hydrogen & Ammonia Market is characterized by a dynamic mix of regional and international players. Leading participants such as Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd., SK E&S Co., Ltd., POSCO Holdings Inc., Samsung C&T Corporation, Hanwha Solutions Corporation, Doosan Fuel Cell Co., Ltd., Korea Gas Corporation (KOGAS), LG Chem Ltd., GS Energy Corporation, OCI Holdings Co., Ltd., Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), Hanjin Transportation Co., Ltd., Daewoo Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd., S-Oil Corporation, Korea National Oil Corporation (KNOC) contribute to innovation, geographic expansion, and service delivery in this space.

South Korea Green Hydrogen & Ammonia Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

Increasing Government Support for Renewable Energy:

The South Korean government has committed to investing approximately $43 billion in renewable energy projects in future, with a significant focus on green hydrogen. This investment aims to increase the share of renewables in the energy mix to 20% in future. The government’s National Hydrogen Strategy outlines plans to produce 6.2 million tons of hydrogen annually in future, fostering a robust environment for green hydrogen development and infrastructure.

Rising Demand for Clean Energy Solutions:

South Korea's energy consumption reached approximately 600 terawatt-hours (TWh) in future, with a growing demand for cleaner energy sources. The country aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% from 2018 levels in future, driving the adoption of green hydrogen and ammonia as alternatives to fossil fuels. This shift is supported by increasing public awareness and corporate commitments to sustainability, further propelling market growth.

Technological Advancements in Hydrogen Production:

Innovations in electrolysis technology have reduced the cost of green hydrogen production, with costs generally ranging from $4 to $6 per kilogram in future. The development of more efficient electrolyzers and advancements in renewable energy integration are expected to enhance production capabilities. As technology continues to evolve, the efficiency and scalability of hydrogen production will likely improve, making it a more viable energy source.

Market Challenges

High Production Costs of Green Hydrogen:

Despite technological advancements, the production cost of green hydrogen remains a significant barrier, averaging between $4 and $6 per kilogram. This cost is substantially higher than conventional hydrogen production methods, which can be as low as $1.50 per kilogram. The high costs hinder widespread adoption and investment in green hydrogen infrastructure, posing a challenge for market growth in South Korea.

Limited Infrastructure for Distribution:

South Korea currently has approximately 34 hydrogen refueling stations, which is insufficient to support the growing demand for hydrogen fuel. The lack of a comprehensive distribution network limits access to green hydrogen, particularly in rural areas. To facilitate market growth, significant investments in infrastructure development are necessary, which may take time to materialize, creating a bottleneck in the market.

South Korea Green Hydrogen & Ammonia Market Future Outlook

The South Korean green hydrogen and ammonia market is poised for significant transformation as the government intensifies its commitment to renewable energy. With a projected increase in hydrogen production capacity and advancements in technology, the market is expected to witness a surge in adoption across various sectors, including transportation and industrial applications. Collaborative efforts between public and private sectors will likely enhance infrastructure development, paving the way for a more sustainable energy landscape in the coming years.

Market Opportunities

Expansion of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technologies:

The South Korean government plans to deploy approximately 81,000 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in future, creating a substantial market for hydrogen fuel. This expansion presents opportunities for manufacturers and technology providers to innovate and enhance fuel cell efficiency, driving further adoption in the automotive sector.

Development of International Trade in Hydrogen:

South Korea aims to establish itself as a global hydrogen hub, with plans to import significant volumes of hydrogen in future. This initiative opens avenues for international partnerships and trade agreements, allowing local companies to engage in the global hydrogen market and diversify their supply chains.