"Energy Transition Interim, Finding Suitable Engines and Fuels"…Hyundai Motor and Saudi Aramco Join Forces

Researchers from Hyundai Motor Group, Saudi Aramco, and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] Hyundai Motor Group announced on the 30th that it has signed a joint research agreement with Aramco, the world's largest integrated energy and chemical company, and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia to develop eco-friendly engines and fuels.

Under this agreement, they have begun joint development of ultra-lean combustion engines and eco-friendly synthetic fuels. The ultra-lean combustion engine is a technology that increases thermal efficiency and fuel consumption efficiency compared to conventional engines while minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. Eco-friendly synthetic fuel refers to fuel produced through a catalytic reaction of hydrogen generated by water electrolysis and carbon dioxide captured from the atmosphere, unlike conventional fuels. Its advantage is that it can be used as is in current internal combustion engine vehicles.

This joint research aims to develop technology that reduces greenhouse gases generated by fossil fuels during the transitional period from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles, enabling a natural transition to carbon neutrality. The project is scheduled to proceed over the next two years, with King Abdullah University providing research personnel and facilities to conduct engine testing, modeling, and verification. In particular, they will verify how much greenhouse gas emissions are reduced when eco-friendly synthetic fuel is used in regular hybrid vehicles.

Allen Raposo, Vice President of Electrification Development at Hyundai Motor Group, said, "The ultimate goal of carbon-neutral mobility is a complete transition to battery electric vehicles, but during the transitional period of technology change, technologies that can reduce greenhouse gases are necessary," adding, "We expect this research to show meaningful results within a short period."

Ahmed Al Kuwaiter, Chief Technology Officer of Aramco, stated, "We plan to provide fuel design and synthesis know-how to improve engine combustion performance, and the outcomes can also be utilized in the future development process of synthetic eco-friendly fuels." Donald Bradley, Associate Dean of King Abdullah University, said, "Based on our excellent capabilities in low-carbon fuel development and optimization research, we will successfully carry out this joint research."

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