Korea-India Infrastructure & Urban Development Forum sets stage for 28 Hydrogen Smart Cities in four Indian states

NEW DELHI: Having developed three Hydrogen Smart Cities, and planned for 10 more in its country, Korea has joined hands with India’s Construction Industry Development Council (CIDC) to pave the way to develop the country’s biggest ever and most ambitious green hydrogen ecosystem. Korean agencies – Korea Research Institute for Human Settlement (KRIHS) and Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP), are in talks with four Indian states – Sikkim, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh to set up a total of 28 Hydrogen Smart Cities in these states.

While speaking on the subject “Vision and Direction of Indo-Korea Infrastructure and Urban Development Forum”, Dr. Jo, Jin Cheol, MD, (Senior Urban – Regional Planner) India Pacific Urban Infrastructure, KRIHS, said that Korea is the global frontrunner in green hydrogen technology and has set up three Hydrogen Smart Cities in its country – Ulsan, Jeonju-Wanju, and Ansan. He said Korea would have 10 more such cities namely Pyong-Tak, Borjunm, Dangjin, Nam-Yanjin, Pohang, Kwang Yang, Kwangju, etc by the end of the current year.

Dr. Jo was speaking at the Korea-India Infrastructure & Urban Development Forum: “Hydrogen Smart City” Network organized by KRISH, KIEP, and CIDC in New Delhi on Monday. The event witnessed the presence of Chang Jae-bok, Ambassador of South Korea, Dr. Kim Taehwan, Vice President – KRIHS, Dr. Cho Choongjae, Director, KIEP, Dr. P. S. Rana, Chairman – CIDC, Dr. P. R. Swarup, Director General – CIDC, S. M. Khan–Joint Director, NITI Aayog, Karma R. Bonpo, Secretary, Commerce & Industries, Sikkim, Jung Changhwa, Chief representative LH (Korea Land & Housing Cooperation) India Office, Deepak Mazumdar, Director, CIDC, and Euy Don Park, President, United Korean Association in India and VP, Korean Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KOCHAM).

The event witnessed the MoU signing of KRIHS-CIDC, Zeus Law Associates-CIDC, and Saudi Contractors Authority (SCA) – CIDC. The formal relationship entered between CIDC & Saudi Contractors Association was aimed at working jointly in several areas.

Zeus Law would offer legal advice and other consultations to foreign companies coming to India to forge tie-ups and Joint ventures with Indian counterparts. Dr. P. R. Swarup, Director General – CIDC and Sunil Tyagi, Managing Partner & Co-Founder, Zeus Law Associates signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organizations.

While welcoming all associate organizations and the delegates to this important conclave, where the focus is on the latest form of energy, which is green & does not impact the well-being of the world, Dr. P. R. Swarup, Director General – CIDC, said, “We are also planning to have a dedicated Green hydrogen fund to take this initiative further, for common good & would encourage all stakeholders to join hands. We are also planning to have a dedicated Green Hydrogen fund to take this initiative further, for the common good & would encourage all stakeholders to join hands.”

“The one-day conclave is just the beginning of this exciting journey, where several stake holders, including our States & public Corporations as well as the Industry are willing to be partners, with several Korean Enterprises. At CIDC, we are planning for more conclaves, to make this mission truly an International mission, with the support of all our partners.” Dr. Swaroop added.

In his address, Dr. P. S. Rana, Chairman – CIDC, said, “Green Hydrogen, as a potential source of energy replacing other forms of energy that leave behind substantial carbon footprints, which is detrimental to the entire world, and it is heartening that sincere efforts are being made to tackle this critical issue. India is fortunate to have abundant availability of Solar Power & also water, which are the necessary ingredients to achieve this objective.”

While addressing the audience, Dr. Cho Choongjae, Director, of KIEP, said, “I propose the ‘Green Hydrogen Smart City’ project as a representative pilot project for the next 50 years of the new Korea-India era. This is a mid-to-long-term cooperation project that meets the two countries’ long-term goals for energy transition and net zero and is a project that will directly benefit not only the companies of both countries but also the people of both countries. By combining the strengths and weaknesses of the two countries’ hydrogen industries and the cooperation base between the two countries, including ODA, both will be able to build an exemplary cooperation ecosystem not only in the hydrogen industry but also in smart city projects.”

The Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP), is a national policy research institute established to conduct studies, research, and analyses of global economic issues, guiding the nation toward effective international economic policies,

It is noteworthy to mention that the Government of Sikkim & Rajasthan have already forged a formal relationship & Government of Jammu & Kashmir is expected to do so soon.

Sikkim owns the distinction of being the first NE region state, to have made big strides & is expected to set up Green Hydrogen based Ammonia production facilities in the State.

While delivering Sikkim’s perspective on the subject, Karma R. Bonpo, Secretary, Commerce & Industries, Sikkim, said, “In an effort to realize the vision of the Green State, the State government is currently working on the Sikkim Industrial Development and Investment Vision which will provide impetus to the development of green industries in the State and attract green investment to the State of Sikkim. The vision seeks to support and attract green industries, promote research and development in green technologies, and promote the capacities of the local population of the State in such industries.”

While delving into the importance of green hydrogen technology Euy Don Park, President, of the United Korean Association in India and VP, of the Korean Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KOCHAM), said that apart from promoting small, medium, and micro enterprises and attracting them from Korean to India, we would also need to collectively work on new tech and futuristic industries and mega projects such as Hydrogen Smart Cities like today wonderful event.

“It will help us achieve our 50-billion-dollar bilateral trade dream well before the year 2030. Let us all join hands and work together towards achieving this ambitious goal in the larger interest of both nations,” he added. 

The one-day forum also deliberated on the possibilities and ways and means of giving this idea a possible share and framework. has played a pivotal role in Korea’s national territorial policy development with research in balanced national development, housing stability, infrastructure development, and geospatial information system

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