Photo: Yuldong-With-U
The Yuldong-With-U complex in Ulsan, South Korea, has achieved a significant milestone as the world’s first apartment block to derive all its heat and power from hydrogen fuel cells. The complex accommodates 437 households and features multiple fuel cell generators supplied with hydrogen from a nearby refinery via a pipeline.
Three container-sized fuel cells installed on the complex’s rooftop generate 1.31 megawatts of electricity from 51 kilograms of hydrogen per hour. This capacity is sufficient to supply monthly electricity to a four-person household every hour. Additionally, the heat generated is captured and stored in a thermal accumulator with a 40-ton capacity, raising water temperatures to 70°C before distributing it directly into homes for heating. This method ensures optimal energy utilization, generates heat and power efficiently, and reduces environmental impact, making it the most cost-effective approach compared to other methods.
In June alone, the apartments collectively generated 840 megawatt hours of power, which under conventional utility rates would have amounted to approximately 150 million won ($108,286). However, the city government’s decision to defer setting a price for hydrogen-based energy has provided residents with these essential services at no charge for the initial operational period, offering significant cost savings. Lee Jong-gyu, head of the energy business team at Ulsan Metropolitan Corporation, expressed plans to introduce a pricing structure for hydrogen heat, aiming for rates around 70-80% of current city gas prices, as reported by local newspaper Ulkyung.
According to the US Department of Energy, fuel cells offer several advantages over conventional combustion-based technologies, including higher operational efficiencies exceeding 60%. Plans are currently underway to amend the Electricity Business Act in South Korea, aiming to provide residents with direct access to cost-effective electricity. Due to regulatory constraints, hydrogen-generated electricity is sold to the Korea Electric Power Corporation. The goal is to establish a fully carbon-neutral residential complex, promoting eco-friendly living in urban environments. The success of the Yuldong-With-U complex marks a pioneering step towards sustainable urban living powered by hydrogen, positioning Ulsan at the forefront of energy innovation on a global scale.
