Lawmakers listen to an explanation of hydrogen fuel cell technology [Photo: National Assembly Hydrogen Economy Forum] 사진 확대 Lawmakers listen to an explanation of hydrogen fuel cell technology [Photo: National Assembly Hydrogen Economy Forum]

The National Assembly Hydrogen Economy Forum, a parliamentary research group, announced that it visited Hyundai Motor Company and Kia’s Namyang Research Institute on the 2nd to review the latest developments in hydrogen technology and discuss legislative and budgetary support measures to promote the hydrogen industry. The forum plans to pursue the enactment of the Hydrogen Business Act and the Hydrogen City Act, while also supporting the expansion of demand and infrastructure requested by industry.

The National Assembly Hydrogen Economy Forum visited Hyundai Motor Company and Kia’s Namyang Research Institute that day to examine technology development across the entire hydrogen value chain, from production and transportation to storage and utilization. Attendees included lawmakers led by co-chair lawmakers Lee Jong-bae and Jung Tae-ho, representatives from the Korea Hydrogen Alliance and the Korea Hydrogen Fuel Cell Association, and Jang Jae-hoon, vice chairman of Hyundai Motor Group.

The participants examined fuel cell systems, water electrolysis equipment, hydrogen refueling stations, and battery systems, all of which are central to hydrogen-powered vehicles, and reviewed progress in next-generation fuel cell development. Hyundai Motor Group explained that it is conducting research and development to reduce the price and size of fuel cells while increasing their output and durability.

After reviewing approximately 2.3 billion kilometers of real-world hydrogen vehicle driving data accumulated by Hyundai Motor Group, the forum members agreed that “Korea is leading the hydrogen vehicle market” and emphasized the need for support measures to strengthen the country’s hydrogen competitiveness.

Hyundai Motor Group stressed the need for a predictable and consistent policy environment to expand the hydrogen ecosystem. It proposed policy support for the growth of mobility sectors, including hydrogen passenger and commercial vehicles and rail vehicles, as well as the water electrolysis industry. The group also highlighted the need to build a virtuous-cycle ecosystem linking hydrogen production, supply, and utilization.

In particular, the group presented the Saemangeum AI Valley, which combines energy, artificial intelligence, data centers, and robotics, as an example of public-private cooperation. It also shared a vision of exporting a “hydrogen ecosystem package” based on technologies and operational experience gained through domestic demonstration projects.

Lawmakers from the National Assembly Hydrogen Economy Forum pose for a commemorative photo during their visit to the Hyundai Motor Company-Kia Namyang Technology Research Institute [Photo provided by the National Assembly Hydrogen Economy Forum] 사진 확대 Lawmakers from the National Assembly Hydrogen Economy Forum pose for a commemorative photo during their visit to the Hyundai Motor Company-Kia Namyang Technology Research Institute [Photo provided by the National Assembly Hydrogen Economy Forum]

Jang Jae-hoon emphasized, “The success or failure of the hydrogen economy depends not only on technological and industrial capabilities but also on the predictability and consistency of the policies that support them. When the government and industry cooperate in the same direction, companies can make sustained investments.”

Industry representatives emphasized the need for a stable demand base and infrastructure development. Kim Jae-hong, chairman of the Korea Hydrogen Alliance, proposed introducing subsidies for hydrogen production, building hydrogen pipeline networks, and expanding refueling infrastructure.

Following the visit, the National Assembly Hydrogen Economy Forum plans to continue pursuing legislation and budgetary support to expand the hydrogen industry. It intends to advance the enactment of the Hydrogen Business Act and the Hydrogen City Act, currently under discussion, to support the expansion of the hydrogen market and the creation of regional hydrogen supply and demand hubs.

Lee Jong-bae, a representative lawmaker of the forum, said, “Although South Korea is the world’s leading country in hydrogen, I feel a sense of crisis that if we hesitate here, we could fall behind and become a backward country in hydrogen. If the public and private sectors work together, we can solidify our position as an advanced hydrogen nation.”

This article has been translated by GripLabs Mingo AI.