Domestic companies, including Hyundai Motor Group, are participating in large numbers at the hydrogen industry expo 'World Hydrogen Expo (WHE) 2025' to unveil their vision for the hydrogen sector, which is gaining attention as a next-generation eco-friendly energy source. Jang Jae-hoon, Vice Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, stated at the event on the 4th, "Korea is not a country with oil or battery minerals," adding, "Therefore, we must take the lead in hydrogen with determination."

From the 4th to the 7th, approximately 250 companies from about 20 countries worldwide, including Hyundai, are participating in 'WHE 2025' held at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. This is a major hydrogen-related event following the 'Hydrogen Council CEO Summit' held in Seoul from the 2nd to the 4th by the Hydrogen Council, a global CEO consultative body. It is the successor to 'H2 MEET,' a leading domestic hydrogen industry exhibition held since 2020, jointly operated by the Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association (KAMA) and the Korea Hydrogen Industry Association.

Hydrogen is an emerging energy source. Renewable energies such as solar and wind have the disadvantage of irregular generation and difficulty in long-term storage. In contrast, hydrogen is gaining attention for its storability and transportability.

Hyundai Motor Group, which is aggressively driving the 'hydrogen drive,' has put significant effort into the expo. Seven affiliates, including Hyundai Motor, Kia, Hyundai Steel, Hyundai Construction, Hyundai Engineering, Hyundai Glovis, and Hyundai Rotem, participated to set up a joint booth under the group's hydrogen business brand 'HWTO.' Notably showcased is the hydrogen production technology of 'Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) Water Electrolysis,' which extracts hydrogen by passing water through a very thin polymer membrane after breaking it down into electrical energy. Hyundai Motor Group plans to apply this technology for the first time in Korea at the Ulsan hydrogen fuel cell new plant, scheduled for completion in 2027. Vice Chairman Jang stated, "Hydrogen has ample utilization value depending on its use and region, and global interest is entering a developmental stage," adding, "We will not lose the initiative in hydrogen."

HD Hyundai Infracore also opened a booth on this day, unveiling the world's largest 22L-class hydrogen engine 'HX22' in real form. This engine, which is on the verge of commercialization, can generate enough electricity to power approximately 200 households for a year. The company plans to foster hydrogen engines as a new growth engine in the era of eco-friendly fuel transition.

Kolon Group also participated in the expo with its hydrogen-related affiliates Kolon Industries, Kolon ENP, and Kolon Spaceworks. The moisture control device exhibited by Kolon Industries is a key component that maintains the appropriate humidity and temperature for fuel cell operation. Huh Sung, CEO of Kolon Industries, stated, "We are focusing on research and development (R&D) to enter the market in time for the opening of the hydrogen ecosystem."

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