Analyzing Hydrogen Policy and Technology Trends: Focusing on Korea and Japan

Purpose: Korea enacted the world’s first hydrogen law and has made great efforts to become the world’s No. 1 hydrogen economy through its steadfast policy of promoting the hydrogen economy until the 5th NDC in 2022. In particular, the role of hydrogen is being emphasized more than ever in the 2030 NDC and the 10th Long-Term Electricity Supply Plan, making it urgent to proactively invest and establish policies. Research design, data, and methodology: This study compares and analyses the current status of hydrogen-related policies and technologies in Korea and Japan, and aims to build on Japan’s successes and learn from its failures in developing the hydrogen industry based on Korea’s unique characteristics. Results: This report compares the current status of hydrogen policy and technology in Korea and Japan, draws implications, and analyzes what Korea can learn from Japan. Specifically, we emphasized the importance of the government providing guidelines for hydrogen prices, continuing to invest in basic R&D, and collaborating with companies that can leverage their overseas networks, such as corporations. In order to achieve the global goal of carbon neutrality, it is preferable for the two countries to cooperate and create synergies rather than compete. Implications: It emphasizes the importance for Korea to learn from benchmarking with Japan in the field of hydrogen energy, improve its competitiveness, and explore opportunities for cooperation between the two countries. Japan is a global leader in hydrogen energy, providing technology development and demonstration cases, which Korea can use to improve its own strategy and find new directions. In addition, both countries are pursuing the hydrogen energy transition in similar environments, and can improve their competitiveness by understanding and analyzing each other’s policies and technologies. Finally, if both countries share common goals, they can find opportunities for cooperation through technology development, supply chain construction, market opening, etc. to accelerate the hydrogen energy transition and maximize mutual benefits.