Hyundai Champions Hydrogen Revolution at APEC 2025
Bangkok, Thursday, 30 October 2025.
Hyundai Motor Group urges global teamwork at APEC 2025 to fast-track hydrogen’s role in clean energy, spotlighting its economic potential and pioneering technology. Collaboration is key to a greener future.
Hyundai’s Vision for a Hydrogen-Powered Future
At the APEC 2025 summit in Gyeongju, Hyundai Motor Group’s Vice Chairman Jang Jae-hoon passionately advocated for a hydrogen economy. During the session, ‘Hydrogen, Beyond Mobility: New Energy for Society,’ he highlighted hydrogen’s pivotal role in the global shift towards carbon neutrality. It’s not just about replacing fossil fuels; it’s about creating a sustainable and efficient energy ecosystem. Hyundai, a pioneer with nearly 30 years in hydrogen technology, aims to lead this transformation by leveraging its extensive research and development efforts [1][2].
Strategic Collaborations and Innovations
The summit underscored Hyundai’s commitment to fostering global partnerships that can help scale up hydrogen technologies. Hyundai’s collaboration with the Hydrogen Council and global leaders aims to enhance hydrogen’s role in solving the intermittency of renewables and boosting energy resilience. This isn’t just about innovation; it’s a call to action for governments and industries to join forces. The company’s ambitious plans include developing a 5-megawatt polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolysis system in Jeju by 2029, a testament to its forward-thinking approach [1][3].
A Showcase of Hyundai’s Hydrogen Milestones
Hyundai’s achievements were prominently displayed at the summit, with the all-new NEXO hydrogen fuel cell SUV taking centre stage. This vehicle embodies Hyundai’s cutting-edge hydrogen technology and vision for future mobility. Hyundai’s Xcient fuel cell trucks, already operational in South Korea and the US, demonstrate practical applications of hydrogen in transportation. These innovations are not just theoretical but tangible steps towards a cleaner future, reflecting the company’s leadership in hydrogen-powered solutions [1][2].
Future Prospects and Challenges
Looking forward, Hyundai’s plans to build a dedicated hydrogen fuel cell plant in Ulsan by 2027, with an annual capacity of 30,000 units, are particularly exciting. This facility represents a significant leap in Hyundai’s strategy to make hydrogen a mainstream energy source. However, the path to a hydrogen economy is fraught with challenges, particularly in creating demand and securing supply chains. Hyundai’s proactive approach in addressing these issues is crucial for the success of hydrogen as a viable energy alternative [1][2].