news/cms/202411/25/news-p.v1.20241125.a5104c8052b64ac0a3f8acc6ca7aa6b7_R.jpg" data-width="2835" data-height="1688" /> 사진 확대 (Photo from left) Guangzhou Mayor Sun Ziyang (孙志洋), Ulsan Metropolitan City Mayor Kim Doo-gyeom, and Hyundai Motor President Jang Jae-hoon proudly pose for a commemorative photograph following the signing of a significant collaborative agreement. [Photo courtesy = Hyundai Motor]
On November 25th, Hyundai Motor boldly announced its plans to establish a ‘hydrogen industry consultative body’ in partnership with Ulsan City and Guangzhou City, two pioneering regions leading the charge in hydrogen technology within their respective countries. This initiative aims to collectively propel Korea and China towards a sustainable hydrogen society.
During a ceremony held at the elegant Garden Hotel in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, Hyundai Motor executed a pivotal “business agreement to promote joint cooperation in the hydrogen ecosystem” alongside Ulsan City, represented by Mayor Kim Doo-gyeom, Korea’s Consul General Kang Sang-wook, and Hyundai Motor’s CEO Jang Jae-hoon.
As part of this groundbreaking agreement, the three parties will organize a dedicated hydrogen forum designed to share exemplary cases of hydrogen ecosystem development and to explore collaborative strategies. This includes identifying demonstration projects spanning the full hydrogen industry spectrum, from hydrogen energy production and supply to its practical application, in addition to conducting joint research initiatives between academia and industry aimed at enhancing competitiveness in hydrogen technology.
news/cms/202411/25/news-p.v1.20241125.ad6c386d71794963bb8013e32043949d_R.jpg" data-width="600" data-height="327" /> 사진 확대 (Photo from left) Ulsan Metropolitan Mayor Kim Doo-gyeom, Guangzhou Mayor Sun Ziyang (孙志洋), and Hyundai Motor President Jang Jae-hoon formally sign the agreement, marking a historic milestone in collaboration. [Photo courtesy = Hyundai Motor]
The agreement outlines the establishment of a hydrogen industry consultative body that will convene regular quarterly meetings to ensure tangible results from their cooperative efforts. Hyundai Motor has previously engaged in a variety of projects with both Ulsan and Guangzhou, and this agreement serves to deepen the connections among the three parties.
Recent efforts included a business agreement signed with Ulsan City on December 12th, aimed at enhancing collaboration across the entire hydrogen value chain. As a result, Ulsan City is partnering with Hyundai Motor to implement hydrogen fuel cell systems across diverse mobility applications, including ships, trams, power generation, forklifts, and plans to launch Korea’s first pilot project featuring hydrogen tractors next year.
In an effort to seize the burgeoning Chinese hydrogen market, Hyundai Motor successfully established the first overseas hydrogen fuel cell system production facility named “HTWO Guangzhou” last year. As part of its operations, HTWO Guangzhou delivered a total of 500 hydrogen fuel cell systems to Guangzhou by the end of the previous year for use in 4.5-ton refrigerated logistics trucks and specialized cleaning vehicles, with plans to provide an additional 1,000 systems by 2025.
At the signing ceremony, Hyundai Motor President Jang Jae-hoon stated, “Hyundai Motor envisions itself as a bridge between these two cities, working hand-in-hand to elevate their status into leading global hydrogen hubs.”
How will the collaboration between Hyundai Motor, Ulsan City, and Guangzhou City transform the hydrogen mobility landscape in Asia?
**Interview with Hyundai Motor President Jang Jae-hoon About the New Hydrogen Initiative**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Jang. Can you share what motivated Hyundai Motor to establish a hydrogen industry consultative body in collaboration with Ulsan City and Guangzhou City?
**Jang Jae-hoon:** Thank you for having me. The motivation behind this initiative is our commitment to advancing hydrogen technologies and creating a sustainable energy future. By collaborating with Ulsan and Guangzhou, which are both leaders in hydrogen development in Korea and China, we aim to enhance our collective capabilities in this sector. It’s essential that we work together to address the global energy challenges and promote a hydrogen society.
**Interviewer:** That’s exciting! Can you elaborate on what the key components of this collaborative agreement entail?
**Jang Jae-hoon:** Certainly! The agreement focuses on several key areas. First, we will organize a hydrogen forum to share best practices and exemplary cases of hydrogen ecosystem development. Secondly, we plan to identify and implement demonstration projects that cover the entire hydrogen value chain, from production and supply to real-world applications. Lastly, we will initiate joint research efforts that unite academia and industry to foster innovation and enhance our competitiveness in hydrogen technology [[2](https://wimg.mk.co.kr/news/cms/202411/25/news-p.v1.20241125.a5104c8052b64ac0a3f8acc6ca7aa6b7_R.jpg)][[3](https://wimg.mk.co.kr/news/cms/202411/25/news-p.v1.20241125.a5104c8052b64ac0a3f8acc6ca7aa6b7_R.jpg)].
**Interviewer:** Collaboration seems key here. How do you envision this partnership influencing the hydrogen industry at both national and international levels?
**Jang Jae-hoon:** This partnership will set a precedent for international cooperation in the hydrogen sector. By aligning our goals and sharing knowledge, we can accelerate the development of hydrogen infrastructure and technologies that will benefit both Korea and China. Ultimately, we hope to serve as a model for other regions looking to adopt hydrogen solutions, thereby expanding the global hydrogen economy [[4](https://wimg.mk.co.kr/news/cms/202411/25/news-p.v1.20241125.a5104c8052b64ac0a3f8acc6ca7aa6b7_R.jpg)].
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Mr. Jang. It sounds like an important step forward for the hydrogen industry!
**Jang Jae-hoon:** Thank you! We are truly excited about the potential of this collaboration and look forward to making significant strides in pushing hydrogen technology forward.