South Korea's H2 MEET 2024, the country's largest hydrogen industry exhibition, concluded on September 27 at KINTEX in Goyang City, drawing over 41,000 visitors and featuring 317 companies and organizations from 24 countries. The event showcased the latest developments in hydrogen production, storage, transportation, and utilization, emphasizing South Korea's growing role in the global hydrogen economy.
The exhibition highlighted major advancements in hydrogen-powered mobility, with displays of hydrogen buses, trucks, tractors, drones, and trams. A special hydrogen refueling station zone allowed attendees to observe the actual refueling process, demonstrating the practical applications of hydrogen technology in transportation.
Nam-Hoon Kang, Chairman of H2 MEET, addressed key challenges and opportunities in the hydrogen sector. He emphasized the South Korean government's efforts to scale the hydrogen vehicle market through subsidies, infrastructure support, and cost reduction initiatives. The country aims to supply 300,000 hydrogen vehicles and 660 hydrogen refueling stations by 2030, aligning with its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) target.
Kang also discussed the technical challenges facing green hydrogen production, noting the high costs associated with renewable energy and electrolysis solutions. The South Korean government is implementing policies to encourage green hydrogen development, including purchasing electricity produced from green hydrogen and proposing mandatory usage targets to stimulate demand and supply.
The event underscored South Korea's commitment to both hydrogen fuel cells and hydrogen internal combustion engines (ICE), with companies like HD Hyundai Infracore showcasing hydrogen ICE for heavy machinery. This dual approach aims to offer consumers more choices in hydrogen-powered vehicles and equipment.
H2 MEET 2024 also featured international pavilions, global partnership consultations, and discussions on hydrogen strategies from various countries, reinforcing its status as a key platform for advancing the global hydrogen economy. The exhibition's success highlights South Korea's potential to impact the global hydrogen industry through strong public-private partnerships and international collaboration.
