The Ministry of Environment (Minister Han Wha-jin) announced that it will provide a total of KRW 8.2 billion for fuel purchase in the first half of 2024 to 152 private hydrogen refueling stations to promote private participation in the hydrogen refueling station business and improve operating conditions.

From February 7 to 28, 2024, the Korea Automobile Environmental Association (hereinafter referred to as the “Association”), entrusted with the fuel purchase subsidy project by the Ministry, publicly recruited private operators who operated hydrogen refueling stations in the second half of 2023 and wished to receive fuel purchase subsidies.

The Association verified income and expenditure-related .docu.mentary evidence submitted by operators and selected 152 final recipients who met the criteria to receive support. The support amount averages around KRW 54 million per hydrogen refueling station (totaling approximately KRW 8.2 billion), and payments will be made sequentially starting from May 1.

The fuel purchase subsidy project was introduced in 2021 to promote stable operation of hydrogen refueling stations and foster the hydrogen vehicle ecosystem. Subsidies are paid twice a year to private operators who meet the payment criteria after comprehensive review of the financial status of hydrogen refueling stations for the previous six months as of the payment date.

Jeong Seon-hwa, Director General of the Air Quality Policy Bureau, stated, “The government will continue to provide maximum support to stabilize the hydrogen vehicle ecosystem, including hydrogen refueling stations.” He added, “We hope that the fuel purchase subsidy support in the first half of this year will contribute to improving the operating conditions of hydrogen refueling stations.”