Jung Eui-sun: "Hydrogen City Will Be a Stepping Stone to a Perfect Hydrogen Society"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] Chung Eui-sun, Executive Vice Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and co-chairman of the global CEO consortium in the hydrogen sector, the 'Hydrogen Council,' emphasized on the 17th that "hydrogen cities will serve as stepping stones toward a perfect hydrogen society." This statement is interpreted as a move to raise global interest by positioning himself as a hydrogen evangelist ahead of his participation in the 'World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting' (Davos Forum) scheduled for the 21st to 24th.

In an interview posted on the Hydrogen Council's website on the same day, Executive Vice Chairman Chung stated, "Hydrogen cities promoted by major countries will play an important role in accelerating the future hydrogen society."

Hydrogen cities, where key urban functions such as energy, transportation, and heating/cooling are powered by hydrogen energy, serve as experimental bases to verify various hydrogen technologies, highlighting the advantages of a future hydrogen society. Currently, countries including South Korea, the United States, Germany, China, and Japan are actively promoting hydrogen city projects as part of building future cities.

Chung also said, "A hydrogen ecosystem where hydrogen production, distribution, and utilization take place is the fastest way to achieve a true carbon-neutral society," adding, "The Hydrogen Council plans to provide feasible technical solutions and policy proposals."

Launched during the 2017 Davos Forum, the Hydrogen Council is a global CEO consortium established to emphasize hydrogen's role in the worldwide energy transition. Global companies such as Hyundai Motor Group, Toyota, BMW, and Air Liquide participate as members, with Hyundai Motor Group and the French global gas company Air Liquide serving as co-chair companies.

After highly evaluating the Hydrogen Council's activities over the past three years, Executive Vice Chairman Chung said, "Considering the growing interest of countries in climate issues, the Hydrogen Council plans to provide feasible technical solutions and policy proposals." He added, "A hydrogen ecosystem where hydrogen production, distribution, and utilization occur is the fastest way to a true carbon-neutral society," emphasizing the need to effectively convey this message.

Additionally, Executive Vice Chairman Chung expressed strong expectations for the Hydrogen Council's first-ever 'Hydrogen Cost Competitiveness Report,' scheduled to be announced in conjunction with the CEO meeting held in Paris, France, in the middle to late part of this month.

He stated, "The announcement and publication of the Hydrogen Council's first 'Hydrogen Cost Competitiveness Report,' analyzed based on data from over 25,000 data points from about 30 member companies covering the entire hydrogen industry, is highly anticipated. In the future, companies and governments will utilize this analysis when forecasting business feasibility and establishing development plans in the hydrogen energy sector."

He also emphasized Hyundai Motor Group's various activities for the early realization of a global hydrogen society. Executive Vice Chairman Chung said, "As a leading company in hydrogen mobility, Hyundai Motor Group is committed to developing and supplying hydrogen electric vehicles at reasonable prices to the general public," adding, "Rather than focusing on short-term sales targets, Hyundai Motor Group will continuously strengthen technological leadership by reducing costs, miniaturizing fuel cell systems, and maximizing efficiency to lower barriers related to the spread of hydrogen electric vehicles."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.