#South Korea #Seoul #Hyundai Motor Group #Air Liquide #Hydrogen Council

Strengthening the Hydrogen Ecosystem

Hyundai Motor Group and Air Liquide have recently announced an expansion of their strategic partnership aimed at accelerating the growth of the global hydrogen ecosystem. The announcement was made at the Hydrogen Council CEO Summit held in Seoul, reinforcing their commitment to lead in the hydrogen sector. As co-chairs of the Hydrogen Council, both organizations are poised to make significant contributions towards developing an effective hydrogen infrastructure worldwide.

The focus of this renewed partnership includes not just the mobility sector but also a broader landscape involving infrastructure, logistics, and clean energy solutions necessary for supporting the global energy transition. This comprehensive approach is pivotal for building a sustainable hydrogen economy, particularly across key regions such as Europe, the United States, and South Korea.

Key Areas of Focus

The partnership will hone in on several crucial areas:
1. Hydrogen Mobility Deployment: There is a plan for commercializing fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), targeting diverse applications heavily reliant on transportation, which include logistics fleets, public buses, and operations within port environments.
2. Infrastructure Development: A significant part of the initiative will involve expanding hydrogen refueling networks and increasing storage capacities to meet the rising demand for hydrogen.
3. Reliable Supply Chain: Establishing a sustainable hydrogen supply chain encompassing low-carbon and renewable production, alongside transportation and distribution capabilities, will be central to this partnership.
4. Innovation Acceleration: The companies intend to stimulate innovation within hydrogen technologies, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of research and development in the energy sector.

According to Ken Ramirez, Head of Energy and Hydrogen Business Division at Hyundai Motor Group, “We are committed to deepening our collaboration with Air Liquide to achieve our shared vision of a hydrogen-powered future. Together, we aim to construct a robust hydrogen value chain that spans from production to end use. This will contribute to addressing the global energy challenges effectively.”

Armelle Levieux, Vice President of Innovation, Electronics and Hydrogen at Air Liquide, underlined the importance of cross-industry collaboration. She stated, “The advancements we are witnessing in Korea demonstrate the potential that exists when industry leaders unite to forge a sustainable future.”

Recent Achievements in Korea

The partnership has already reported major milestones within Korea, showcasing successful commercialization of FCEVs, development of hydrogen refueling infrastructure, and innovations within the hydrogen supply chain. These milestones serve as a framework for future success and represent the potential outcomes of their collaborative efforts.

As per the commitments made during the CEO Summit, the partners are expected to ramp up their activities, translating their vision into reality by leveraging technical expertise and market leadership. By fostering a hydrogen-focused culture and pushing for advancements in technology, Hyundai Motor Group and Air Liquide are paving the way for a cleaner energy landscape.

Conclusion

The growth of a hydrogen economy relies heavily on strategic partnerships and innovative approaches. As Hyundai Motor Group and Air Liquide continue to collaborate to fuel advancements in the hydrogen sector, they stand as pivotal players in the transition toward a more sustainable energy future. By developing an integrated hydrogen ecosystem, these companies not only bolster their operational capabilities but also contribute to global efforts aimed at achieving carbon neutrality and fostering a sustainable future.