Syzygy and Lotte revolutionize hydrogen production in South Korea

Lotte Chemical and Syzygy Plasmonics complete performance tests of an innovative system in Ulsan, South Korea, paving the way for new commercial opportunities in the Asian hydrogen market.

Share:

Lotte Chemical and Syzygy Plasmonics have reached a decisive milestone for hydrogen by successfully testing the world’s largest all-electric ammonia cracking system. Installed in Ulsan, South Korea, the Rigel™ reactor achieved record-breaking performance with stable production of 290 kilograms of hydrogen per day, an energy efficiency rate of 81%, and a consumption of 11 kWh per kilogram produced. These results strengthen the attractiveness of this technology for Asian industries, where the demand for hydrogen is rapidly growing.

A Technological Advancement with Economic Impact

The tests conducted by Lotte Chemical and Syzygy go beyond technical achievements. By leveraging a localized and scalable production model, the partners aim to optimize costs related to the import and transformation of hydrogen. This technology could reduce expenses traditionally associated with the compression and transport of liquid hydrogen, a key factor for Asian markets that rely heavily on imported energy resources.

For companies operating in industrial and energy sectors, the implications are significant. Improved energy efficiency lowers operational costs, while simplified logistics mitigate supply chain risks. These factors could drive the development of new industrial applications and enhance South Korea’s export capacity as it seeks to establish itself as a regional hydrogen hub.

Next Steps and Commercial Deployment

The data gathered during these trials provides Syzygy with a clear roadmap for developing even more efficient reactors. The stated goal is to reduce energy consumption to 8 kWh per kilogram of hydrogen produced in future versions of the Rigel™ cell. Furthermore, Lotte Chemical plans to build a small-scale commercial plant to test industrial-level production capabilities.

Asian financial actors and governments are closely monitoring this project, which could redefine hydrogen supply chains in the region. With markets like Japan and Eastern Europe also seeking reliable and competitive solutions, the success of this collaboration between Lotte and Syzygy could influence strategic decisions far beyond South Korean borders.

The European Commission introduces a greenhouse gas emissions methodology for low-carbon hydrogen, establishing a long-awaited regulatory framework for the sector and paving the way for new industrial investments.
French company Lhyfe has carried out its first successful green hydrogen combustion tests in Spain, delivering three tonnes over three weeks to the Valencian ceramic industry, opening a new potential alternative to industrial fossil natural gas.
Envision announces the official commissioning of the world's largest green hydrogen and ammonia plant in China, powered by an autonomous renewable energy system and entirely AI-driven, with exports planned from late 2025.
Sumitomo Corporation announces a strategic investment in Independence Hydrogen aimed at developing new decentralized hydrogen production and distribution projects in the United States, targeting industrial, logistics and critical infrastructure sectors.
80 Mile announces that it has increased its stake in Hydrogen Valley to 49% and signed a memorandum of understanding with Tecnoparco for the supply of 40,000 tonnes of biofuel per year, aiming to reduce palm oil dependency.
The Hive Coega project, South Africa’s most ambitious green ammonia initiative, enters its operational phase with the release of tenders for essential infrastructure, marking a major step forward for the country in renewable energy production.
The Belfort commercial court has approved the sale of McPhy to John Cockerill Hydrogen, a €600,000 transaction involving majority retention of staff and an industrial project partially funded by European subsidies.
The City of Fresno becomes the latest member of First Public Hydrogen, the first US public authority dedicated to hydrogen development, thus strengthening its energy infrastructure and municipal bus fleet.
The official confirmation in June 2025 by the French government regarding the detection of significant natural hydrogen reserves in Lorraine, the Pyrenees, and Aquitaine could represent a major strategic turning point for national and European energy sovereignty. However, the technical, economic, and environmental challenges associated with its exploitation might slow its large-scale implementation.
Stanwell announces the end of its participation in the Central Queensland Hydrogen Project, a major international hydrogen production initiative, raising questions about the sector's outlook in the region.
Lhyfe becomes the first French producer to obtain European RFNBO certification, delivering the first batches of certified hydrogen and opening access to new support mechanisms for the industrial sector.
Tree Energy Solutions and CPC Finland will produce 125,000 tonnes annually of e-NG at the Finnish port of Rauma, targeting European and international markets with a significant investment.
The European Commission grants €3.5mn to support preparatory work for a Franco-German cross-border network aimed at transporting hydrogen between the Grand Est region and Baden-Württemberg starting in 2029.
French company McPhy Energy awaits a court decision regarding offers submitted during its judicial reorganization, paving the way for probable liquidation and potential delisting of its shares.
The majority-Indigenous-owned Canadian manufacturer HyVera Distributed Energy is introducing an eCat pellet that instantly produces ultra-pure green hydrogen without external electricity and is counting on two pilot plants to simplify industrial supply.
Underground hydrogen storage, essential to support its growth, continues to face significantly higher costs than natural gas storage, along with major technical challenges hindering its competitiveness against conventional energies.
Singapore-based hydrogen specialist Hydrexia seals a protocol with Indonesian gas giant Samator to deploy purification, transport and storage of hydrogen, betting on rapidly growing local demand and export outlets to the Asia-Pacific region.
Cadiz Inc. signs a memorandum of understanding with British company Hoku Energy for a large-scale energy project including green hydrogen, solar power, and digital infrastructure in the Californian desert, projecting annual revenues of up to $10mn.
BP indefinitely halts its blue hydrogen project at the Whiting refinery in Indiana, raising questions about the future of federal funding and the impact on regional plans for a decarbonized hydrogen sector in the United States.
The Polish energy group ORLEN receives a non-repayable grant of €382 million from the National Recovery Plan to finance its renewable and low-emission hydrogen production initiatives.