Ministry of Climate, Environment and Energy presents 34 awards, including industrial merit decoration for Korea Institute of Energy Research head Kang Kyung-su

[123RF]
[123RF]

South Korea's Ministry of Climate, Environment and Energy held the fifth Hydrogen Day ceremony Wednesday at Kintex in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province.

About 300 industry, academic and research representatives attended, including Second Vice Minister of Climate, Environment and Energy Lee Ho-hyun and Korea Hydrogen Alliance President Kim Jae-hong.

Hydrogen Day is a statutory national observance established to raise public awareness of the hydrogen economy and recognize individuals who have contributed to its development in South Korea.

At the ceremony, 34 awards were presented to individuals and organizations for their contributions to advancing the hydrogen economy.

Kang Kyung-su, head of the Korea Institute of Energy Research, and Kim Wan-jin, chief executive of YL Energy Technology, received industrial merit decorations. Lee Kyung-sil, chief executive of Kohygen, received a presidential commendation, while Chungju in North Chungcheong Province received a prime ministerial commendation.

The ceremony also marked the opening of World Hydrogen Expo (WHE) 2026, billed as the largest hydrogen industry event in Asia. The expo brings together about 200 companies and organizations for an exhibition and a global conference.

"Hydrogen is a key tool for decarbonizing industries where greenhouse gas reductions are difficult, and it plays a vital role in the green transition," Lee said. "The government will establish a policy direction for the hydrogen industry's renewed growth and build an ecosystem where domestic clean hydrogen production and use reinforce each other."


thlee@heraldcorp.com