South Korea has officially begun construction on the Gyeongju Gangdong Hydrogen Fuel Cell Power Plant, poised to become the world’s largest facility of its kind. The ambitious 108-megawatt (MW) project, located in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang province, represents a significant step in the nation’s energy transition and is expected to power approximately 270,000 four-person households annually upon its completion in March 2028.
A Landmark Investment in Hydrogen Infrastructure
The Gyeongju Gangdong Hydrogen Fuel Cell Power Plant project, with an estimated investment of 819.1 billion won (approximately $580.7 million USD), is a collaborative effort between public and private sectors. Local companies ESD Holdings and Gangdong Energy are spearheading the development, with support from the government’s Regional Activation Investment Fund. Construction officially commenced in September 2025, marking a critical milestone in South Korea’s pursuit of a cleaner and more stable energy future.
Addressing Regional Energy Needs and Boosting the Economy
The primary objective of the new 108 MW plant is to provide a stable, baseload electricity supply, particularly to industrial complexes in the East Coast industrial belt, including Pohang Yeongil Bay and Blue Valley. These industrial hubs have faced power deficits, hindering growth and investment. The plant’s consistent energy output is anticipated to alleviate these shortages and attract further industrial development.
Beyond energy provision, the project is projected to deliver substantial economic benefits to the region. It is expected to create approximately 1,200 jobs during its construction and operational phases and generate an estimated 73.3 billion won in corporate tax revenues. North Gyeongsang provincial governor Lee Cheol-woo emphasized the plant’s role in linking energy policy with advanced industry investment, calling energy “the rice of future industries.”
Technology and Environmental Impact
The Gyeongju Gangdong plant will utilize hydrogen fuel cell technology, generating electricity by combining hydrogen with oxygen in an electrochemical reaction. While the facility will initially use “grey hydrogen” produced on-site from natural gas, fuel cell operations themselves do not emit greenhouse gases. This contrasts with conventional power generation methods that produce carbon dioxide, aligning with South Korea’s broader goals for a green energy transition.
This new plant will surpass the existing 79 MW Shin Incheon Vision Dream hydrogen fuel-cell power plant, also in South Korea, as the world’s largest. This continuous scaling up of hydrogen power infrastructure underscores the nation’s commitment to becoming a leader in hydrogen-based energy solutions.
South Korea’s Broader Hydrogen Vision
The construction of the Gyeongju plant is a key component of South Korea’s comprehensive strategy to accelerate its renewable energy efforts and bolster its hydrogen economy. The nation has been actively investing in hydrogen infrastructure, with projects like the world’s largest liquefied hydrogen plant in Incheon, which began operations in May 2024, capable of producing 30,000 tons of liquefied hydrogen annually. Companies like Hanwha Energy have also been pioneers, completing the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell power plant utilizing byproduct hydrogen from petrochemical sites in 2020.
This landmark initiative in Gyeongju is expected to serve as a blueprint for future hydrogen power projects across the country, solidifying South Korea’s position at the forefront of the global clean energy landscape.
