At the APEC CEO Summit 2025 in Gyeongju, Hyundai Motor Group Vice Chairman Chang Jae-hoon underscored the critical role of green hydrogen in achieving carbon neutrality and ensuring long-term energy security across the Asia-Pacific region. Speaking at the session “Hydrogen, Beyond Mobility: New Energy for Society,” Chang emphasized that hydrogen is no longer limited to transport—it is emerging as a vital pillar of the global clean energy transition.
He highlighted that hydrogen can complement intermittent renewable sources such as solar and wind by serving as a flexible, storable energy carrier. This makes it an ideal solution for off-grid and microgrid systems, helping reduce dependence on centralized fossil-fuel-based power networks.
Chang, alongside Hydrogen Council CEO Ivana Jemelkova, presented insights from the Global Hydrogen Compass 2025 report, revealing that more than $110 billion has already been invested in over 500 hydrogen projects worldwide. The focus, he said, has shifted from ambitious goals to practical implementation, signaling a new phase in the energy transition. Hyundai called for stronger public-private partnerships and consistent policy support to accelerate large-scale hydrogen adoption.
The company also reaffirmed its commitment to developing the entire hydrogen value chain—from production and storage to transportation and end-use applications. Backed by more than three decades of research, Hyundai is expanding beyond hydrogen-powered mobility to industrial-scale energy solutions. In South Korea, the company is working on electrolysis projects in Buan and Boryeong, with a larger 5 MW system planned for Jeju.
It has also begun constructing a fuel-cell manufacturing plant in Ulsan, strengthening domestic production capacity. Globally, Hyundai is rolling out fuel-cell trucks in the U.S., collaborating on infrastructure in Australia, and developing clean logistics systems for heavy industries—demonstrating how hydrogen can decarbonize transportation and manufacturing alike.
Chang concluded by stressing that building a sustainable hydrogen economy requires a united effort: “Creating demand and securing supply must go hand in hand. No single company can do it alone.” Through its initiatives, Hyundai is positioning hydrogen not just as a clean fuel but as a transformative energy solution that bridges technology, sustainability, and global collaboration.