Hyundai EVC Chung promotes benefits of 'hydrogen society'

Hyundai Motor Group Executive Vice Chairman Chung Euisun speaks during a session with industry leaders on the sidelines of his participation in last year's G20 summit, Japan. Korea Times file

By Kim Yoo-chul

Hyundai Motor Group Executive Vice Chairman Chung Euisun called for collective efforts for progress in discussions to maximize the benefits of a “hydrogen society.”

Speaking on behalf of the Hydrogen Council, Thursday, the co-chair of the industry association body, acknowledged that a full transformation into a “hydrogen society” would not happen overnight. But he also highlighted why actively embracing the initiative matters in terms of both maximizing the best interests of the corporate sector and going further to build the relevant eco-system.

“I believe building hydrogen-powered areas, which many countries are already taking part in, could be a viable stepping stone toward becoming a hydrogen society. We need to have discussions with other governments to jointly establish hydrogen-powered areas.”

Regarding safety issues, the Chung said: “With the construction of hydrogen-oriented areas where major urban functions ― electricity, transportation, heating and cooling ― are powered by hydrogen, the safety and economic feasibility of the energy transition through hydrogen will be easily verified.”

According to his assessment of a hydrogen-fueled society, such areas don't have to be “large” and “may come” in many different forms such as hydrogen cities and hydrogen valleys. “But … would need to effectively convey the message that a hydrogen eco-system ― production, distribution and application ― is the fastest way to achieve a truly zero-emission world.”

Hydrogen has recently been gaining popularity as one of the next energy sources with high potential to play a “key role” in building a clean, secure and affordable power future. Japan is trying to achieve a “hydrogen society” by 2030 in accordance with Tokyo's commitment to abide by the 2016 Paris Agreement on climate change.

As this form of energy is obtained by splitting water molecules into its components ― hydrogen and oxygen ― the energy source is widely regarded as cost-effective and stable compared to lithium-ion batteries.

Chung said the South Korean automaker was on track to advance its technology by cutting costs, and he remained upbeat over its plans to expand the use of hydrogen applications.

“Under the Hydrogen Vision 2030, Hyundai Motor Group will boost annual fuel-cell systems production capacity to 700,000 by 2030 and explore new business opportunities to supply the group's fuel-cell systems to other transportation manufacturers of automobiles, rolling stocks, drones, vessels and forklifts,” Chung told the Council.

“We believe our responsibilities extend beyond vehicles and include investments in the hydrogen supply chain,” he added. Hyundai built a hydrogen filling station in Seoul, last year.

The Council is an advocate defending the interests of the hydrogen industry. It has been playing a key role in highlighting hydrogen's merits and collectively encouraging key stakeholders to increase their backing of hydrogen as part of the future energy mix with appropriate policies and supporting backup plans.