DAEGU, SOUTH KOREA, September 4, 2026 – The American Petroleum Institute (API) and Korea Gas Corporation (KOGAS) today announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU), establishing a framework for expanded technical cooperation on industry standards, workforce development, certification and knowledge sharing related to hydrogen, low-carbon energy and natural gas.
The agreement brings together the complementary strengths of two organizations with deep technical expertise across the energy industry.
API offers its portfolio of more than 800 globally recognized standards, along with certification and training programs, and more than a century of experience developing technical solutions for the oil and natural gas industry. KOGAS, South Korea’s state-owned natural gas company, brings more than four decades of experience in natural gas infrastructure and operations, along with growing capabilities in hydrogen and low-carbon energy technologies.
“While API brings globally recognized standards and industry expertise, KOGAS contributes extensive expertise and leadership in LNG operations, infrastructure and emerging energy technologies, including hydrogen,” API Senior Vice President of Global Industry Services Anchal Liddar said. “These complementary strengths create a strong foundation for meaningful collaboration, and an opportunity to connect Korean technical expertise more closely with the broader international standards community.”
When API's leading standardization technology and global certification capabilities are combined with KOGAS's natural gas infrastructure and operational know-how, built over 40 years, the resulting synergy will be maximized,” KOGAS Senior Vice President of Hydrogen & New Business Unit Oh Kwon-Taek said. “The MOU signed between our two companies marks the first step toward sustainable growth. We will deepen our technical exchange by jointly participating in the formulation and revision of API standards in the fields of hydrogen, low-carbon, and natural gas.”
Since the MOU took effect, the organizations have moved quickly from commitment to implementation. KOGAS has nominated 11 experts across technical disciplines to participate in API standards committees and established an internal framework to support the collaboration.
Looking ahead, the organizations see opportunities to expand KOGAS’s participation in API standards development and technical activities, explore cooperation in API certification programs, and strengthen technical dialogue on hydrogen and other emerging energy technologies.
Through these activities, API and KOGAS aim to strengthen industry practices, support innovation and contribute to safer, more reliable and more sustainable energy operations.
The American Petroleum Institute (API) represents all segments of America’s oil and natural gas industry, supporting nearly 11 million U.S. jobs. With approximately 600 members, API companies produce, process, and distribute the majority of the nation’s energy. Founded in 1919, API has developed over 800 standards to enhance operational and environmental safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
Founded in 1983, Korea Gas Corporation (KOGAS) is South Korea’s state-owned natural gas company and one of the world’s leading LNG companies. KOGAS plays a critical role in the country’s energy security through its extensive natural gas infrastructure network, including LNG terminals and nationwide pipeline systems. In addition to its domestic operations, KOGAS participates in energy projects across multiple regions worldwide and is actively expanding its capabilities in hydrogen, LNG, and low-carbon energy technologies to support the global energy transition.
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