Interview with the Hydrogen Council on the 8th
[Asia Economy Reporter Su-yeon Woo] Chung Eui-sun, Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, has expressed his ambition to ultimately convert the energy used in Hyundai Motor Group's factories worldwide to hydrogen. This is to gradually realize Hyundai Motor and Kia's '2045 Carbon Neutrality Goal' by introducing eco-friendly energy to raw materials and factory facilities.
Chairman Chung revealed this in an interview with the Hydrogen Council, a global CEO consortium in the hydrogen sector. According to the interview released on the 8th, Chairman Chung said, "We will take the lead in preparing to apply eco-friendly steel and parts to build a sustainable supply chain," adding, "We will gradually replace the equipment and raw materials used in business sites worldwide with renewable and waste energy, and ultimately with hydrogen."
He continued, "In the mid to long term, we will secure a large amount of hydrogen and convert external logistics systems of business sites to hydrogen to achieve carbon neutrality across the entire automotive value chain." Earlier, Hyundai Motor and Kia announced the '2045 Carbon Neutrality Goal' to eliminate all greenhouse gases generated at their business sites by 2045. Chairman Chung's remarks signify a step beyond merely reducing greenhouse gas emissions to realizing carbon neutrality through the use of hydrogen.
Hyundai Motor Group is securing renewable energy in connection with global business sites' RE100 initiatives. They also plan to expand cooperation in green hydrogen production and conversion. Green hydrogen is not only the power source for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles but is also used as an alternative energy to LNG during hydrogen power generation and processes within Hyundai Motor's business sites.
Regarding the direction of the Hydrogen Council's activities this year, he emphasized the importance of public-private cooperation. Over the past five years since the establishment of the Hydrogen Council, the hydrogen industry has focused on policies and systems for production technology, supply chains, and infrastructure development. Chairman Chung said, "If the past five years were a period to demonstrate hydrogen's potential and establish policies and systems, now is the time to take action," adding, "Cooperation and solidarity between the government and industry are crucial at this stage."
He also mentioned the need to change public perception of hydrogen. Chairman Chung said, "Compared to the past when everyone was just watching to see who would make bold decisions first, it is encouraging that a competitive structure is forming among governments, industries, and companies regarding the future hydrogen industry," but added, "However, there is still much to be done until the public becomes familiar with hydrogen energy and understands its safety."
Finally, Chairman Chung stressed that continuous cooperation at the national and corporate levels is essential for the transition to a hydrogen society. He said, "Cooperation and support among governments, industries, global companies, and countries are desperately needed," adding, "Such efforts are not short-term but must continue unwaveringly for future generations." He further noted, "The current global environment, with economic growth slowdown, geopolitical issues, and intensified protectionism, is not favorable for expanding cooperation," and added, "It is urgent to present a direction for global hydrogen cooperation to maintain momentum in building a hydrogen society."
The Hydrogen Council is a global CEO consortium launched to emphasize the role of companies worldwide in the transition to a hydrogen society. It was established during the 2017 Davos Forum. Hyundai Motor Group is one of the 13 founding members. Currently, more than 140 companies from 20 countries participate.
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