KIST and Samsung E&A Launch High-Temperature Electrolysis Demonstration Project

On March 25, 2025, KIST (President: Sang-Rok Oh) announced that a kickoff ceremony with Samsung E&A (President Namkoong Hong) was held on March 24 at KIST’s headquarters in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, marking the official launch of a 160kW Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC) Hot Box demonstration project. The event took place at the KIST Clean Hydrogen Collaboration Hub Center and was attended by key representatives, including President Oh of KIST and President Namkoong Hong of Samsung E&A.

This project marks South Korea’s first high-temperature electrolysis demonstration initiative following the enactment of the Hydrogen Act, signifying a major step toward industrial-scale hydrogen production. KIST and Samsung E&A laid the groundwork for this collaboration through a joint Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in February 2024. In July of the same year, they established a Joint Electrolysis Research Lab and have since worked together to develop and evaluate large-scale SOEC stacks and demonstration facilities. Notably, in December 2024, the project received final regulatory sandbox approval, paving the way for full-scale technology validation and demonstration.

The demonstration facility has been strategically designed as a small-scale pilot system to conduct preliminary assessments for future large-scale electrolysis deployment. Given the unique characteristics of SOEC technology, the project will focus on evaluating system safety, operational efficiency, and performance optimization at high temperatures. Leveraging KIST’s expertise in high-temperature electrolysis research and Samsung E&A’s extensive experience in large-scale energy projects, both organizations are committed to ensuring the successful execution of this demonstration.

Speaking at the ceremony, KIST President Oh emphasized, “This initiative marks the beginning of a long-term partnership between KIST and Samsung E&A. Together, we aim to drive key technological innovations that will shape the future hydrogen economy and accelerate the transition to a sustainable energy paradigm.”

Through this collaboration, KIST and Samsung E&A reaffirm their commitment to advancing next-generation hydrogen technologies and establishing South Korea as a leader in the global hydrogen economy.