In a significant move towards establishing a hydrogen economy, Ulsan City and Hyundai Motor have announced a collaborative effort to create the largest hydrogen-friendly city in Korea. On Nov. 12, the city revealed plans to sign a "Business Agreement for Hydrogen Ecosystem Cooperation" at Hyundai Motor's Ulsan Plant Promotion Hall. This agreement marks a pivotal step in promoting a comprehensive hydrogen industry, encompassing production, storage, distribution, and utilization of hydrogen energy.
The collaboration aims to establish an integrated hydrogen supply chain, which includes hydrogen production, supply, storage, hydrogen electric vehicle development, and fuel cell system utilization. Ulsan City will provide active administrative support for Hyundai Motor's business initiatives, ensuring the smooth execution of hydrogen industry full cycle projects. Key areas of cooperation include technology development, demonstration, and commercialization for clean hydrogen production, such as water electrolysis.
Lee Dong-seok, CEO of Hyundai Motor, emphasized the company's commitment to building a hydrogen society. "Hyundai Motor is making all-out efforts to build a hydrogen society, including the establishment of an ecosystem based on hydrogen energy beyond hydrogen mobility," he stated. "We will seek continuous cooperation to make Ulsan the center of a hydrogen-friendly city through this agreement."
Kim Doo-gyeom, mayor of Ulsan, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the city's strategic advantages. "We will cooperate with Hyundai Motor to create a leading city in clean hydrogen energy based on our key industries such as automobiles, hydrogen, secondary batteries, and precision chemistry, as well as the largest hydrogen infrastructure in the country," he said.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to position Ulsan as a "leading city in clean hydrogen energy." The city was selected for the "3rd Phase of Hydrogen City Development Project" hosted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport in September. Additionally, Ulsan will embark on a regional specialized project to demonstrate the nation's first hydrogen tractor technology in collaboration with Hyundai Motor. This project involves developing operable hydrogen tractors and operating three units on long-distance freight logistics routes starting from Ulsan, aiming to convert diesel-based large freight trucks to eco-friendly vehicles.
The agreement is expected to advance carbon neutrality by expanding the advanced hydrogen infrastructure, including the distribution of the largest number of hydrogen electric vehicles in the country. By fostering a high-value-added hydrogen industry ecosystem, Ulsan City aims to accelerate the realization of a hydrogen society.
