Seoul City announced on Wednesday that it will increase the number of hydrogen power systems for a stable electricity supply in case of blackouts or other emergencies.

Under the plan, 29 hydrogen fuel cell power plants will be built and 102 hydrogen fuel cells will be installed by 2014. The facilities are expected to generate 230 megawatts of electricity per hour that could meet the energy demands of 400,000 house holds.

Hydrogen fuel cell plants are recognized for their efficiency, emitting less greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and requiring less space.

They also have no risk of explosion since the cells do not contain hydrogen, according to Lee Koung-taeg, an official from the municipal government.

The alternative power plants will supply the electricity mainly to the city’s infrastructure, including subway systems and sewage facilities.

The cells will help provide the energy needed for hospitals, internet data centers and residential areas in Magok and Sangam, northwest Seoul.The metropolitan government hopes for the participation of 13 energy suppliers including Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Co. and Korea Midland Power Co. in the plan.

Those energy firms are required to increase the supply of renewable energy to 10 percent by 2022.

By Kim Young-won (wone0102@heraldcorp.com)