KOMIPO and Doosan scrap 100MW hydrogen fuel cell power project in South Korea

The South Korean government has cancelled plans for a 100MW hydrogen fuel cell power plant project worth $414m, according to local reports.

Set to be led by Korea Midland Power (KOMIPO) and Doosan Enerbility after they signed a Memorandum of Understanding, the Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy announced the project was scrapped, reportedly due to financial issues experienced by the stakeholders.

Located at the Daebul National Industrial Complex in Yeongam, South Jeolla Province, the 100MW initiative would have been designed to generate electricity through an electrochemical reaction of oxygen and LNG-produced hydrogen.

KOMIPO was scheduled to purchase the required renewable energy certificates and operate the plant, while Doosan agreed to develop the hydrogen turbines, supply fuel cell equipment and oversee engineering, procurement and construction (EPC).

Jcenergy, a locally based renewable firm, would have handled the permits and provided the project site.

A representative of Yeongam County explained the decision to terminate the project. “To our understanding, financial issues arose with the project’s key stakeholders,” they said.

“While discussions with local governments progressed, including agreements on profit-sharing, the project ultimately saw no progress.”

H2 View also understands that several other projects, including the 100MW project planned for Songdo by Korea Gas Corp (KOGAS) and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, were also cancelled.

The Songdo development was withdrawn due to challenges in securing permits, whilst other projects in Daejeon’s Pyeongchon Industrial Complex and Sinnam-ri, Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province, were also terminated due to economic viability and local resistance.