Seoul Summit: Hydrogen Economy's Future Unveiled
Seoul, Tuesday, 9 December 2025.
Valterra Platinum’s CEO Craig Miller shares insights from the Seoul summit, highlighting hydrogen’s role in decarbonisation and the importance of platinum group metals. A key step towards a cleaner future!
Hydrogen: A Key Player in Decarbonisation
Craig Miller, CEO of Valterra Platinum, recently returned from the Hydrogen Council’s Global CEO Summit held in Seoul, South Korea, where discussions centred on hydrogen’s pivotal role in decarbonising global energy systems. The consensus among over 200 industry leaders was clear: hydrogen, with the support of platinum group metals (PGMs), is vital for achieving climate targets. The summit underscored the urgency of developing supportive regulations to harness hydrogen’s full potential [1].
Investments and Innovations in Hydrogen Technology
In an era where green energy solutions are paramount, the hydrogen sector has seen a staggering $110 billion in investments over the past five years, with $35 billion injected in just the last year. This influx of capital highlights the growing commitment to hydrogen as a sustainable energy source. Interestingly, South Korea’s infrastructure reflects this shift with over 200 refuelling stations catering to platinum-based hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) and buses, showcasing the practical application of hydrogen technology [1].
The Role of PGMs in the Hydrogen Economy
Platinum group metals are crucial in advancing hydrogen production technologies. Their importance was a focal point at the summit, as these metals serve as effective catalysts in hydrogen fuel cells. This makes them indispensable for future energy systems that aim to reduce carbon emissions significantly. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that future FCEVs will require about 12 to 12.5 grams of platinum, illustrating the potential demand for PGMs in the coming years [1][3].
Challenges and Opportunities in Policy and Standardisation
While the potential of hydrogen is immense, industry leaders acknowledge the challenges in standardising hydrogen production and transportation globally. Craig Miller emphasised the need for cohesive policies to facilitate the hydrogen economy’s growth. He pointed out that creating demand segments and translating opportunities into tangible outcomes require concerted efforts from both the public and private sectors. It’s a roadmap that involves collaboration and innovation [1].
The Broader Vision: Hydrogen as a Multipurpose Fuel
The summit painted a future where hydrogen could serve as a nonpolluting, multipurpose fuel, derived from various energy sources. This vision is part of a broader strategy to combat climate change and achieve net-zero goals. The discussions highlighted hydrogen’s versatility and its potential to transform sectors beyond transportation, including industrial and residential energy needs [2][3].