GM Accelerates Entry into Hydrogen Fuel Cell Market

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Byunghee Park] American automaker General Motors (GM) is accelerating its push into the hydrogen fuel cell market.

According to the Associated Press on the 19th (local time), GM announced that it plans to begin full-scale production of hydrogen fuel cell generators starting next year and will supply hydrogen fuel cell generators to the Renewable Innovation Center in Lindon, Utah.

Charlie Friese, GM's head of the hydrogen division, stated that they plan to target the market by prioritizing the supply of hydrogen fuel cell generators to public buildings such as police stations and fire stations. He said, "Public buildings like police stations and fire stations require systems that can provide emergency power supply in case of power outages," adding, "Hydrogen can be stored for a long time, making it effective for use in emergencies."

He explained that hydrogen fuel cell generators can provide rapid power supply and are environmentally friendly since their only byproduct is water. He also mentioned that hydrogen fuel cell generators produce very little noise during operation, making them suitable for power supply to military bases as well.

Friese emphasized that hydrogen fuel cell systems can also be utilized at electric vehicle charging stations, allowing power supply by leveraging existing power grids.

Friese explained that since the product is still in the pre-production stage, it is too early to disclose the price or sales outlook for hydrogen fuel cell generators. However, he emphasized that the generators can be miniaturized and could eventually be used to supply power to homes.

GM has consistently shown interest in the hydrogen market. In January last year, it announced plans to develop hydrogen fuel cell commercial trucks. At that time, GM stated that it would jointly develop hydrogen fuel cell commercial trucks with truck manufacturer Navistar by 2024. GM is also developing hydrogen fuel cell systems for aircraft in collaboration with integrated onboard aircraft systems supplier Liebherr-Aerospace.