Restrictions on the installation of hydrogen charging stations in urban areas will be eased from May next year.

Starting in May next year, regulations on the installation of hydrogen charging stations in urban areas will be eased for the convenience of hydrogen electric vehicle drivers.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced that it will promulgate the "Amendment to the Enforcement Rules of the High-Pressure Gas Safety Management Act" and implement it in earnest on May 15 next year.

Current regulations require hydrogen charging stations to secure a safe distance of 12 to 30m with surrounding facilities such as houses and shopping malls.

The amendment allowed the reduction of the safety distance in the city center on the condition of stacking high protective walls made of strong materials such as concrete and installing additional safety devices such as emergency shut-off devices, manpower emission facilities, and overcurrent shut-off valves.

In addition to hydrogen cars, forklifts, excavators, and trams powered by hydrogen fuel cells can be charged.

In addition, the Ministry of Industry said it will push for nine tasks to improve regulations, including easing fuel cell drop performance evaluation standards for drones and establishing standards for developing liquefied hydrogen storage systems for vehicles.