Hyundai Motor Group showcased a diverse range of hydrogen technologies at the World Hydrogen Expo in Korea, reaffirming its leadership position in the global hydrogen industry (04/12).

The event, held from December 4–7 at KINTEX 2 in Goyang, gathered more than 250 companies from over 25 countries under the theme “Hydrogen Pioneers: Innovate, Unite, Accelerate,” marking Korea’s largest hydrogen exhibition.

Organized for the first time after the merger of the annual H2MEET exhibition and conference, the Expo is supported by four government ministries and is expected to draw 40,000 attendees, including industry leaders and the public.

The event highlights Korea’s continued development as a hydrogen hub and the Group’s leadership in expanding clean energy.

“With the rapid increase in power demand driven by the spread of AI, expanding renewable energy is essential. Hydrogen offers the most powerful solution to store and utilize renewable energy, complementing its intermittency and enhancing overall efficiency,” said Jaehoon Chang, Vice Chair of Hyundai Motor Group.

“By converting surplus electricity into hydrogen, we can ease the burden on power grids and make energy systems more flexible. Hydrogen is the ultimate game changer for the future energy transition.”

Hyundai Motor Group Highlights Technologies Across the Value Chain

The Group, together with seven affiliates — Hyundai Motor, Kia, Hyundai Steel, Hyundai E&C, Hyundai Engineering, Hyundai Glovis, and Hyundai-Rotem — presented its hydrogen technologies under its HTWO brand.

Ten newly introduced solutions were displayed across four categories: Production, Storage & Refueling, Mobility, and Industrial Application, showing the Group’s commitment to advancing hydrogen usage across industries.

New Hydrogen Production, Storage, and Mobility Solutions Introduced

In hydrogen production, the Group highlighted PEM electrolysis systems that will be produced at its new Ulsan fuel cell plant, the first of its kind in Korea.

It is also developing 1 MW-scale production sites in Buan and Boryeong and is working with Jeju authorities on 500 MW-scale mass production technology by 2029, with plans to expand to a 1 GW electrolysis facility.

Waste-to-Hydrogen projects in Cheongju and Paju demonstrated hydrogen production from organic waste, and the Group is also leading its first overseas Waste-to-Hydrogen ecosystem in Indonesia.

A new ammonia cracker now in design and demonstration can extract hydrogen at a capacity of 640 kg per day.

In storage and refueling, the Group unveiled a second-generation 700-bar mobile hydrogen refueling station mounted on an XCIENT Fuel Cell Tractor.

Other new technologies included a packaged hydrogen refueling system, an Automatic Charging Robot-Hydrogen using AI, and a liquid hydrogen storage system model.

Mobility displays covered a broad range of hydrogen-powered vehicles.

These included the all-new NEXO, an upgraded Universe Fuel Cell Hydrogen Bus, and the XCIENT Fuel Cell heavy-duty truck with a redesigned V-shaped radiator grille.

Additional innovations included a hydrogen-powered automated guided vehicle for port logistics, a hydrogen fuel cell tram planned for deployment in Ulsan and Daejeon, and Kia’s hydrogen-powered ATV.

The Group also introduced hydrogen-powered equipment such as a boat, an agricultural tractor, and a forklift.

Industrial Applications Expand Hydrogen’s Role

Hyundai Motor Group presented new industrial technologies, including a mobile power generator with swappable hydrogen storage modules to reduce downtime.

A new hydrogen burner developed by Hyundai Motor is already applied to paint ovens at its Ulsan plant and will be expanded to other high-temperature production operations.

A 100 kW fuel cell power generator will be used at Kia and Hyundai Glovis facilities in Pyeongtaek Port.

Interactive Programs Strengthen Public Engagement

The Group hosted the HTWO Award Ceremony at the Expo, recognizing six representatives from the transportation industry who contributed to the adoption of hydrogen commercial vehicles.

It also prepared a Test Drive Program for the all-new NEXO from December 5 to 7, giving registered participants a 30-minute experience along a 15-kilometer course.

Additionally, the Hydrogen Academy offered educational sessions led by executives and experts from the Group’s affiliates, providing visitors with deeper insights into hydrogen technologies, business development, and the Group’s future direction in the sector.

PHOTO: HYUNDAI

This article was created with AI assistance.