Hyundai Motor and Hanwha Unite... K-Hydrogen Targets the Netherlands, Europe's Largest Hydrogen Hub

by Kwon Hyeonji

Published 21 May.2026 06:00(KST)

KOTRA Operates Korea Pavilion at 2026 WHS
Key Buyer Consultations and Promotion of Supply and Demonstration Partnerships

As hydrogen, alongside nuclear power, is gaining significant attention as a key energy source for 'de-coal' initiatives, Korean hydrogen companies are expanding their global market presence in Europe, a hub for eco-friendly industries.

The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) announced on May 21 that it organized and operated the Korea Pavilion at the 'World Hydrogen Summit & Exhibition (2026 WHS),' the world’s largest hydrogen industry exhibition, held in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, for two days starting on May 20. The initiative was carried out jointly with the Korea Hydrogen Alliance and the Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning, with participation from nine Korean hydrogen companies.

This year’s WHS attracted over 10,000 visitors from 77 countries, making it the largest event to date. National pavilions from 23 countries, including Korea, were set up. Notably, this year also featured 'CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage) World,' which addressed the paradigm shift toward low-carbon industries and drew considerable attention from attendees.

Leading companies such as Hyundai Motor and Hanwha Aerospace were among the nine participants in the Korea Pavilion. These companies showcased a comprehensive value chain covering the entire hydrogen industry—from green hydrogen production facilities (SOEC) to storage and transportation infrastructure such as liquefied hydrogen tanks and compressors, as well as applications including hydrogen vehicles and fuel cells. Hyundai Motor, in particular, unveiled a new hydrogen vehicle model and introduced new water electrolysis stack technology, attracting strong interest from visitors.

This year, KOTRA advanced its programs to enable domestic companies to participate in major European infrastructure projects. On May 19, KOTRA hosted the 'Europe Hydrogen Project Briefing Session,' providing a platform to share information on the current status of the Dutch hydrogen industry and key European projects such as the Rhine Hydrogen Integration Network of Excellence (RH2INE).

Tom Verlinden, Project Director, stated, "The European hydrogen logistics market is at a stage where regulatory frameworks, such as transportation regulations and charging infrastructure, are developing alongside technology demonstration. It is therefore highly meaningful for Korean companies to understand this trend early and seek collaboration opportunities with European partners."

During the B2B matchmaking event held over two days starting May 20, prominent buyers—including TNO, the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research, and global engineering firm Haskoning—visited the Korea Pavilion. On May 21, an investment briefing session was also held with Jeollanam-do Provincial Government and Ulsan Free Economic Zone Authority to promote the competitiveness of Korea’s hydrogen ecosystem and attract investment to the hydrogen industry.

After the exhibition, the participating Korean companies plan to visit Dutch on-site hydrogen production solution provider HyGear and maritime energy demonstration institution Marine Zero Emission Lab. They will directly experience the latest trends in hydrogen production, transportation, and utilization, and explore collaboration opportunities for the next-generation hydrogen value chain.

Kim Myunghee, Vice President and Head of the Industrial Innovation and Growth Headquarters at KOTRA, commented, "Due to the aftermath of the Middle East war and the climate crisis, the global transition to de-coal energy sources such as hydrogen and nuclear energy will accelerate. We will do our utmost to provide overseas demand-linked support so that our companies can secure a leading position in the fields of energy efficiency and transition."