Hyundai Motor Pleads for Government Backing to Boost Hydrogen Mobility
As China rapidly narrows the technology gap in the hydrogen industry with its “hydrogen rise” strategy, calls have emerged for the Korean government to play a catalytic role in expanding hydrogen mobility and developing water electrolysis, the core of the hydrogen industry. Experts argue that government support is crucial, as the hydrogen industry has significant ripple effects not only for achieving carbon neutrality but also for economic revitalization.
Shin Seung-kyu, executive vice president of energy & hydrogen policy at Hyundai Motor Co., stated at the hydrogen economy policy forum held at the National Assembly on Sept. 30, “Hydrogen mobility is a key off-taker leading the transition to a hydrogen society and must be fostered. The expansion of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell and water electrolysis technology and securing price competitiveness are directly linked to the spread of hydrogen mobility.”
Shin emphasized that the hydrogen industry should be approached from the perspective of “use first, quality later.” This strategy suggests first activating the hydrogen-related market and then refining the industrial ecosystem.
He identified hydrogen mobility as a practical means of driving hydrogen consumption. Hyundai Motor has maintained its competitive edge by commercializing hydrogen vehicles first in the world and maintaining the top position in hydrogen vehicle sales. Longer driving range and shorter charging time compared to electric vehicles are notable advantages of hydrogen vehicles, particularly in the commercial sector where cargo loading and long-distance driving are required.
Shin called for continued government support for hydrogen vehicle development and a balanced expansion policy among eco-friendly vehicles. He pointed out, “There are limitations to transitioning to eco-friendly vehicles with electric vehicles alone. According to the government’s 2030 eco-friendly vehicle supply plan, if electric vehicle supply increases to 4.2 million units, it will generate an additional power demand of about 24,000 GWh, equivalent to the power generation of three nuclear power plants.”
He added,
The government’s plan to expand renewable energy generation is expected to face constraints in the metropolitan area.
“We need to prepare quickly and efficiently for the surge in power demand by supplying electric vehicles and hydrogen electric vehicles in a balanced manner.”
Hyundai Motor assessed that it has a competitive advantage in the PEM water electrolysis market, sharing the same technology base as the fuel cell technology it has accumulated over a long period. PEM water electrolysis uses only water as a raw material without compounds, resulting in high hydrogen purity and enabling miniaturization. It also responds quickly to fluctuations, making it suitable for dealing with renewable energy variability.
Shin emphasized,
The localization rate of Hyundai Motor’s fuel cell components is about 90%, and we can secure global competitiveness by localizing water electrolysis technology as well.
“We should export water electrolyzers produced by our companies, produce clean hydrogen overseas using these electrolyzers, and then import it domestically, using it as a means to foster the industry and achieve carbon neutrality through water electrolysis.”
He further stressed,
Water electrolysis requires an expansion of large-scale projects at the national level, along with an institutional foundation that can efficiently utilize the green hydrogen produced.
“We need to establish systems to support hydrogen production through water electrolysis, such as introducing special provisions for electricity rate reductions for power supply to water electrolysis facilities and providing subsidies for installing domestic water electrolyzers.”
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Hyundai Motor Pleads for Government Backing to Boost Hydrogen Mobility, source
