A town in South Korea recently introduced the world’s first “hydrogen apartment” complex that utilizes heat and electricity from hydrogen fuel cells. This new and innovative building could produce substantial energy cost savings.

Hydrogen Apartment

Promotional image of the new hydrogen apartments in South Korea; Photo: Yuldong-With-U/Yuldong National Rental Housing via Facebook

In Ulsan, South Korea, the Yuldong-With-U apartment complex is an example of carbon-neutral living. Compared to city gas, it could potentially reduce energy costs by 20% to 40%, according to FuelCellWorks. The complex quickly generated much interest because its energy solution powers 437 apartment units while supporting their heating needs through hydrogen fuel cells. The world’s first “hydrogen apartment” is a pioneering move forward to sustainable urban living.

The Yuldong Combined Heat and Power Plant is central to the operation, located around 650 feet from the apartment complex. The plant efficiently produces electricity and heat with minimal environmental impacts because of the by-product hydrogen pipelined to it from various industrial activities. Among the various alternatives, this method of hydrogen production is said to be the most cost-effective.

Powering the Complex

On the rooftop of the complex is three container-sized fuel cells that generate up to 1.32 megawatts (MW) of electricity from 51 kg of hydrogen per hour. That is sufficient to supply a month’s electricity to four average four-person households every hour. In addition, the process generates and stores heat. The heat is captured and stored in a thermal accumulator with a 40-ton capacity. The heated water reaches over 150 degrees Fahrenheit and is sent directly into homes for heating. As a result, it ensures that all energy produced is efficiently used.

The complex officially started operating on June 1. Since then, the power plant has produced around 840 MW of electricity, valued at 150 million won, which is equal to around US$109,000.

Hydrogen-power as an alternative continues to make headlines, especially in vehicles. Transitioning the complex completely sets a new standard for sustainable urban living.

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