Dr. Cho, Hyun Seok and his research team from the Hydrogen Research Department of the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER), along with President Yi Chang-keun, conducted a project entitled 'Core Water Electrolysis Technology Development for Green Hydrogen Production for the Carbon-Neutral Society.' This project has been recognized as the most outstanding achievement in the field of energy and environment among the Top 100 Government-funded R&D Projects. In addition, ‘Development of a Plant for the Production of Hydrogen and other Energy Sources from Waste Plastics’ led by Dr. Ra, Ho Won from the Clean Fuel Research Laboratory of the KIER is on the list of the top 100.

 Notably, the two projects on the Top 100 are also included in the list of the 10 Most Influential Solutions to Social Problems chosen by 4,500 people across the country through on-line voting.

  The top-rated technology in the field of energy and environment is the next-generation alkaline water electrolysis membrane technology. This technology has been proven to have the highest performance and stability, increasing hydrogen production density by three times. Additionally, it effectively prevents hydrogen from mixing with oxygen, greatly reducing the risk of explosion.

 Dr. Cho, Hyun Seok, the project leader, expressed his high hopes for the technology, which will serve as the foundation for industrial growth and development in hydrogen production. As the expansion of green hydrogen deployment for carbon neutrality relies on water electrolysis technology and cost compatibility, this technology is crucial.

  The technology for alkaline water electrolysis membrane and stack evaluation platform is transferred to GS E&C Corp., through which the technology is expected to contribute significantly to economic growth and job creation by establishing green hydrogen-related businesses in both upstream and downstream sectors.

  Meanwhile, the research team led by Dr. Ra, Ho Won from the Clean Fuel Research Laboratory of the KIER has successfully developed a gasification technology to extract hydrogen or chemicals from waste plastics. This achievement has been recognized and selected as one of the Top 100 R&D Achievements. The gasification technology is currently in the development stage and has been transferred to Hanwha Corporation/E&C for commercialization. This is the only technology to be successfully transferred to a business while it is still on the development stage. It is also expected to make a significant contribution to a carbon-neutral economy by promoting resource recycling.

 Dr. Ra, Ho Won is expressing his determination to utilize waste plastic gasification technology to create businesses. This technology aims to transform waste plastics into valuable resources, thereby promoting resource recycling and achieving carbon neutrality. This technology was awarded the Grand Prize because the judges highly appreciated the idea for addressing environmental problems and energy supply at the Technomics Audition for the Government-funded Research Institutes on April 12, 2023.