Amogy, GS E&C, HD Hyundai Infracore, and Pohang-si Unite to Pioneer Ammonia-Based Distributed Clean Power in South Korea
In a landmark move that could reshape the future of distributed clean energy, Amogy, a leading developer of scalable ammonia-to-power technologies, has announced a strategic collaboration with GS Engineering & Construction (GS E&C), HD Hyundai Infracore (HDI), and Pohang-si, the largest city in North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea. The initiative aims to deploy South Korea’s first ammonia-powered distributed generation system—a step viewed by many as transformative for the nation’s energy transition strategy and for the global ammonia energy sector.
The project reflects a broader ambition to accelerate the commercialization of clean hydrogen and ammonia technologies and to establish Pohang-si as a premier innovation hub for next-generation energy infrastructure. This collaboration not only embodies the potential of ammonia as a carbon-free fuel but also serves as a model of international partnership and technological integration for climate action.
A Vision for Clean Distributed Power: The 1MW to 40MW Roadmap
Under this agreement, the participating companies will co-develop a 1-megawatt (MW) pilot ammonia-based power generation system with a target launch date of 2026. The initial deployment will serve as a critical testbed for system validation, operational efficiency, and infrastructure integration. It will act as a springboard for scaling up to a much larger 40 MW commercial-scale facility targeted for completion between 2028 and 2029.
This stepwise development plan enables the partners to refine the system and align it with regulatory, technical, and environmental benchmarks before full-scale implementation. The scaling effort is expected to significantly increase South Korea’s capacity to generate clean electricity from ammonia, reducing the nation’s reliance on fossil fuels while bolstering grid stability and energy security.
Integrating Advanced Technologies: From Ammonia to Power
At the heart of the project lies Amogy’s proprietary ammonia-cracking technology, which uses advanced catalytic systems to efficiently convert ammonia (NH₃) into hydrogen (H₂). This hydrogen is then used to power HD Hyundai Infracore’s HX22 hydrogen-fueled engine, a clean combustion solution tailored for distributed energy systems.
The HX22 engine, engineered for both high efficiency and low emissions, will work seamlessly with Amogy’s ammonia cracker to deliver a consistent and carbon-free power source. The result is a tightly integrated and scalable ammonia-to-power solution capable of addressing a range of stationary energy needs—from municipal grids and industrial zones to remote energy deployments.
GS E&C, with its deep experience in construction, project management, and infrastructure investment, will be responsible for system engineering, procurement, construction (EPC), and operations. Their participation is critical in ensuring that the infrastructure is robust, cost-efficient, and compliant with South Korea’s evolving clean energy standards.
A Strategic Role for Pohang-si
Pohang-si’s active role in the collaboration is not limited to being a host site. The city is committing to supporting the project’s long-term success through infrastructure readiness, regulatory facilitation, and designation of the area as a “Distributed Energy Specialty Complex.” This status, newly enabled by the Distributed Energy Act (DEA) of South Korea, provides the regulatory framework to accelerate the deployment of decentralized energy technologies such as this ammonia-based system.
By championing this initiative, Pohang-si seeks to redefine its industrial base, traditionally centered on steel and heavy manufacturing, into a clean energy innovation center. The city also aims to build out its Hydrogen-Specialized Complex, positioning itself as a central node in South Korea’s national hydrogen roadmap.
Speaking on the collaboration, Jang Sang-gil, Deputy Mayor of Pohang, noted, “By fostering Pohang’s clean ammonia-based carbon-free energy industry as a national future growth engine in South Korea, this partnership will drive innovation in the hydrogen industry centered around the Pohang Hydrogen-Specialized Complex, aiming to make South Korea the world’s leading hydrogen industry powerhouse.”
He continued, “We will strongly support the successful deployment of this collaboration, including the support in order to be designated as a Distributed Energy Specialty Complex, under the recent introduction of the Distributed Energy Act in South Korea.”
Corporate Voices on Innovation and Sustainability
For the project partners, the collaboration is more than a business venture—it represents a commitment to a clean energy future.
Seonghoon Woo, CEO of Amogy, emphasized the broader implications of the partnership:
“This collaboration is not only about bringing clean, distributed energy to Pohang, but also about establishing a replicable model for energy-resilient cities across Korea and beyond. We’re proud to contribute our ammonia-to-power technology to a project that aligns perfectly with Pohang’s energy ambitions and economic growth strategy.”
Jong-hwan Lee, Senior Vice President and Head of New Business Development at GS E&C, echoed this sentiment:
“In the face of escalating climate risk, the integration of climate technology and sustainable practices is no longer a choice. Coping with climate change requires bold innovation, cross-sector collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to reduce environmental impact. GS E&C is truly delighted to collaborate with Amogy and HDI in Pohang, Korea, where ammonia and hydrogen are key to energy transition success. Our expectations are high not only for this partnership but also for the promising collaborations that lie ahead.”
Supporting South Korea’s National Energy Goals
The partnership aligns directly with South Korea’s energy and environmental goals under the Green New Deal and Hydrogen Economy Roadmap. These initiatives aim to position South Korea as a global leader in hydrogen and clean energy technologies while simultaneously reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel dependency.
The Distributed Energy Act, introduced to encourage the growth of decentralized and renewable energy systems, provides the legal basis for projects like this to thrive. By leveraging this new framework, Pohang-si and its partners are creating a blueprint for how municipalities can lead in the energy transition through public-private collaboration.
A Milestone for Amogy and the Ammonia Energy Sector
This initiative also marks a significant step in Amogy’s commercialization journey. Until now, much of the company’s focus has been on proving the feasibility of ammonia power in maritime and mobility sectors. By entering the stationary power market through a high-profile project with major Korean stakeholders, Amogy is demonstrating the broader versatility and market potential of its core technology.
Furthermore, the pilot in Pohang-si could serve as a reference project for international markets interested in carbon-free grid solutions, particularly in regions where ammonia transport and storage infrastructure is already in place due to fertilizer or shipping industries.
As the world races to decarbonize its energy systems, the collaboration between Amogy, GS E&C, HD Hyundai Infracore, and Pohang-si illustrates what can be achieved when public institutions and private innovators unite behind a common vision.
The development of a robust ammonia-powered energy infrastructure in Pohang may ultimately catalyze similar efforts in other regions, transforming the theoretical promise of ammonia as a clean fuel into a practical, scalable solution.
With milestones set for 2026 and 2028, the coming years will be crucial not only for the success of this project but for the broader effort to reimagine the global energy landscape—one clean, ammonia-powered megawatt at a time.
