Climate Policy Engagement Analysis
Climate Policy Engagement Overview: H2KOREA appears to actively engage with South Korea’s energy mix transition, particularly around hydrogen expansion, without specifying the conditions of decarbonizing hydrogen production. The association has very limited engagement with specific climate policies in South Korea.
Top-line Messaging on Climate Policy: H2KOREA appears to have limited top-line messaging on climate policy. In a July 2024 National Assembly Policy Seminar, H2KOREA acknowledged the impact of increased greenhouse gases in the atmosphere on global warming, recognizing some aspects of climate change science.
Engagement with Climate-Related Regulations: H2KOREA has limited engagement with specific climate-related policies in South Korea. In a June 2023 op-ed article in Hankyung, reported that the then-Chairman of H2KOREA, Moon Jae-do, identified trade-restricting measures such as the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (EU CBAM) as a challenge to South Korean industries. However, the association’s overall position on the policy’s climate ambition remained unclear.
Positioning on Energy Transition: H2KOREA appears to actively engage with the energy mix transition. The association supported government measures to develop hydrogen production but did not communicate the need to fully decarbonize hydrogen production. According to the Maeil Business Newspaper in October 2024, Chairman Kim advocated for the use of ammonia co-firing and hydrogen produced from fossil fuels to lower the production cost of hydrogen produced from renewable energy, while generally supporting the development of green hydrogen technologies. In a July 2024 National Assembly Policy Seminar, H2KOREA supported the establishment of a certification system to facilitate international hydrogen trade and secure “clean hydrogen for energy transition.” However, H2KOREA also advocated for the co-firing ammonia with coal but did not specify the timeline for the phaseout of coal and the need to decarbonize ammonia production.
This summary was last updated in Q1 2025.