Hyundai Motor Group Champions Hydrogen Collaboration at Global CEO Summit in Seoul

From December 2 to 4, 2025, the Hyundai Motor Group co-hosted the prestigious Hydrogen Council Global CEO Summit in Seoul, Korea. This major event gathered around 200 leaders and policymakers from across the globe, all united in their pursuit of establishing the strategic trajectory for the hydrogen industry.

Setting the Stage for Hydrogen Innovation

The Summit signified a pivotal moment in Korea's ambition to emerge as a leading hub for hydrogen innovation. With a dedication to environmental sustainability, the Hyundai Motor Group showcased how it is leading the charge in the transition to clean energy technologies. During the event, the Group highlighted its commitment to fully hydrogen-powered transportation by utilizing 50 all-new NEXO SUVs and six UNIVERSE Fuel Cell buses, demonstrating the practical applications of hydrogen technologies in the automotive sector.

Vice Chair of Hyundai Motor Group, Jaehoon Chang, who also serves as Co-Chair of the Hydrogen Council, articulated the significance of hydrogen in addressing climate change and enhancing energy security, stating, "Hydrogen is not only a climate solution but a cornerstone for energy security and industrial competitiveness." The Summit marked a decisive move for the hydrogen industry, steering the conversation from ambition to actionable steps necessary to facilitate demand, enhance infrastructure, and foster global collaboration. Chang affirmed that through robust policy support and genuine partnerships between the public and private sectors, the industry can achieve substantial progress.

Highlights from the Summit

Under the theme of "Hydrogen 2030 Lead. Build. Deliver.,” the Summit provided a collaborative platform for stakeholders from various sectors, including energy, chemicals, and automotive, to converge and explore pathways for scaling hydrogen solutions. The key outcomes of the Summit included:

- New Leadership: François Jackow, CEO of Air Liquide, joined Jaehoon Chang as Co-Chair of the Hydrogen Council, emphasizing a unified direction regarding global hydrogen collaboration and leadership.
- Strategic Roadmap: The assembly released a communiqué that focuses on demand creation, expanding infrastructure, and establishing international standards essential for scaling hydrogen by 2030.
- Government Commitment: Officials from Korea, France, Germany, and Australia, along with Sung Hwan Cho, President of the International Organization for Standardization, reiterated their support for demand-side policies and unveiled public-private investment roadmaps aimed at boosting the hydrogen sector.
- Korea Market Session: The Summit also highlighted advanced hydrogen market strategies from leading South Korean firms, including SK Innovation and Doosan Fuel Cell. This segment featured influential keynote addresses from noteworthy politicians, including Lee Ho-hyeon, Korea's 2nd Vice Minister of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, and Young Hun Oh, Governor of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province.

A Catalyst for Future Hydrogen Initiatives

As Co-Chair of the Hydrogen Council, Hyundai Motor Group reinforced its commitment to driving the clean energy transition forward by emphasizing Korea's thriving hydrogen ecosystem. With the outcomes of the Summit serving as a catalyst for future initiatives, Hyundai is determined to harness the cooperative spirit prevalent at the event, thereby paving the way for a sustainable hydrogen economy worldwide.

For further information about Hyundai Motor Group and its innovative endeavors, direct your attention to their official website at Hyundai Motor Group or visit the Kia Global Media Center.

In conclusion, the Hydrogen Council Global CEO Summit was not merely an event; it was a significant step towards a greener future, with Hyundai at the forefront of a new era of hydrogen-powered solutions.