South Korean conglomerate Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) has entered a multilateral memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Pyeongtaek City and key partners to develop carbon-neutral hydrogen port initiatives, aiming to establish a Korean model for port decarbonization and contribute to national carbon-neutrality goals.
Under the agreement, Hyundai Motor Company, HMG’s subsidiary, will oversee hydrogen-related business strategy, while Kia Corporation, a South Korean automobile manufacturer, and Hyundai Glovis, another HMG subsidiary, will introduce and operate hydrogen fuel cell power generators at their facilities in Pyeongtaek Port.
The initiative seeks to lay the foundation for large-scale hydrogen use across port operations. The plan is said to include leveraging the hydrogen production complex near Pyeongtaek Port to establish a hydrogen-based power supply system with a 15-kilometer (km) pipeline. It is understood that HMG and partners will complement the efforts with joint technology development and demonstration projects for fuel cell generators at Kia and Hyundai Glovis facilities.
Reportedly, HMG and Pyeongtaek City will turn the plans into a comprehensive energy framework for port operations. This framework is expected to ensure reliability through fuel cell power generation and an integrated hydrogen supply system. The partners are also anticipated to expand hydrogen-powered transport vehicles and port equipment and install hydrogen refueling stations.
Ken Ramirez, Head of Global Energy and Hydrogen Business Division at HMG, commented: “Hyundai is honored to jointly drive this important collaboration as a public-private partnership aimed at delivering real-world hydrogen applications to achieve the goals of both the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries’ ‘Hydrogen Port’ policy and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s ‘Hydrogen City’ policy. It represents the first domestic initiative to establish a broad hydrogen ecosystem for port decarbonization, leveraging Pyeongtaek Port’s advanced infrastructure.”
As disclosed, long-term plans for the project include developing hydrogen and ammonia bunkering facilities to support future zero-emission vessels and exploring the adoption of alternative maritime power (AMP) systems to reduce emissions from berthed ships.
HMG and Pyeongtaek City aim to expand the green hydrogen supply chain through ammonia imports and broaden hydrogen-based operations to enhance stability and efficiency. HMG said the collaboration with Gyeonggi Pyeongtaek Port Corporation (GPPC) and the Pyeongtaek Regional Office of Oceans and Fisheries will focus on business expansion strategies and regulatory improvements.