UCI Signs MOU with Wavelabs... Knocking on the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Drone Market

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hyowon] UCI is making a foray into the hydrogen fuel cell drone market by partnering with a drone wireless communication specialist, following its recent decision to collaborate with a liquefied hydrogen specialist company to build a green hydrogen value chain.

UCI’s subsidiary BioX announced on the 22nd that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with WaveLabs, the first domestic company to successfully localize drone wireless communication equipment, for technical cooperation related to green hydrogen and hydrogen fuel cell research and development.

WaveLabs is a wireless communication equipment specialist company that has been working with Doosan Mobility Innovation (DMI) to develop radio frequency (RF) modules for long-distance communication of hydrogen fuel cell drones. Through this agreement, BioX plans to strengthen collaboration on commercialization plans that integrate green hydrogen into hydrogen fuel cells for drones.

WaveLabs’ domestically first-developed long-distance RF module communication technology for drones enables flights beyond the existing 5 km communication range. WaveLabs recently obtained ‘KC certification’ and is expected to expand overseas by pursuing European CE certification, US FCC certification, and Australian RCM certification.

Following the successful demo test of green hydrogen via water electrolysis using Korean-style Taliaek (anaerobic wastewater), BioX is accelerating steps toward hydrogen commercialization. The company plans to strengthen business cooperation with various companies in fields that can apply hydrogen, the core of future clean energy such as liquefied hydrogen and hydrogen fuel cells using green hydrogen.

A company official said, “Electro-Active Technologies (EAT) in the US plans to complete the development of a 2L module by the end of this year, bringing green hydrogen commercialization within reach, and we are actively seeking collaboration plans with domestic and international companies.” He added, “BioX will be responsible for green hydrogen production, and centered on UCI, we plan to create synergy with technologically capable companies that can rapidly commercialize liquefied hydrogen and hydrogen fuel cells.”

He continued, “There has been a recent increase in collaboration inquiries related to hydrogen production via water electrolysis,” adding, “We will contribute to building the national hydrogen ecosystem by establishing a Korean-style green hydrogen value chain with companies that have excellent domestic research and technological capabilities.”