The Green Hydrogen Revolution: A Closer Look at Jeju Island’s Leading Efforts
By Abdulaziz Al Shehri
JEJU, South Korea — Embracing an invitation from South Korean government agencies, Okaz embarked on a transformative journey to Jeju Island, delving into the forefront of clean energy and green hydrogen initiatives. This visit comes at a crucial time of expanding strategic cooperation between Saudi Arabia and South Korea in these pivotal sectors.
Exploring cutting-edge facilities dedicated to green hydrogen production powered by wind energy, Okaz witnessed firsthand the innovative electrolysis technology separating hydrogen from water. The ultimate goal? To fuel public transportation with clean energy and significantly reduce emissions, setting a global standard for sustainable energy transitions.
Nestled off the southern coast of the Korean Peninsula, Jeju Island emerges as a beacon of renewable energy excellence. With optimal wind conditions, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and a central role as a national testbed for smart energy innovation, Jeju stands as a shining example in the realm of clean energy.
Earmarked by the South Korean government as a premier national pilot site for environmental and clean tech endeavors, Jeju’s diverse landscape and relative seclusion offer a pristine environment for evaluating the impact of renewable energy initiatives with clarity and precision.
Saudi Arabia has keenly observed these developments, especially as the Kingdom strives to localize green hydrogen production through flagship projects like NEOM, aiming to position itself as a global renewable energy hub. Collaborating with the Jeju model signifies a strategic leap toward realizing this ambitious vision.
The bilateral ties between Saudi Arabia and South Korea have progressed significantly in recent years, marked by a series of agreements and memorandums of understanding between key entities. These agreements encompass joint ventures in green hydrogen, renewable energy, and industrial nitrogen, underscoring a shared commitment to addressing environmental challenges.
A standout milestone in this partnership is the memorandum of understanding inked by Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power and South Korea’s POSCO, aiming to collectively advance green hydrogen and its derivatives. The collaboration also saw the launch of the “H2Oasis” initiative, fostering technological and investment exchange between Riyadh and Seoul in the realm of clean energy.
