With growing awareness of climate change and environmental issues, interest in sustainable energy sources is on the rise. Amid this global shift, HYOSUNG is exploring new opportunities through its hydrogen business. Hydrogen, a next-generation energy source, is lauded for its low greenhouse gas emissions and high storage efficiency. HYOSUNG has been actively promoting hydrogen-related initiatives since 2021 under the goal of building a "Carbon-Neutral Korea." In particular, its remarkable achievements in the hydrogen refueling station sector have garnered significant attention.

From Entry to Market Leadership: HYOSUNG’s Journey Toward Hydrogen

Hyosung Heavy Industries began its hydrogen refueling business in 2008. Partnering with Hyundai Motor, it successfully installed South Korea's first hydrogen refueling station at Hyundai Motor Group’s Namyang R&D Center. Through this experience, Hyosung Heavy Industries recognized the potential of the hydrogen refueling station business and accelerated its efforts in hydrogen-related research and development.

Building on its expertise in CNG refueling since 2000, Hyosung Heavy Industries ventured into the hydrogen refueling business in 2008, laying the groundwork for its current advanced operations. This expansion was driven by the company’s long-standing technical capabilities in heavy industries and over two decades of accumulated knowledge in gas compression and refueling. Within just a year, Hyosung Heavy Industries constructed its first hydrogen refueling station in South Korea in 2009. Today, it has evolved into an industry leader, offering comprehensive solutions spanning the entire hydrogen value chain, including production, delivery, supply, maintenance, and repair services.

Hyosung Heavy Industries’ first commercial hydrogen refueling station was installed at the National Assembly in Yeouido, officially commencing operations in 2019. This marked a pivotal moment in South Korea's hydrogen era. That same year, the company achieved localization of key technologies, such as hydrogen dispensers and cooling systems. These innovations deliver faster refueling, real-time data on refueling status, and detailed error analysis. The company has since expanded hydrogen accessibility by establishing refueling stations at key locations like the Sejong Government Complex and Sangil-dong in Gangdong-gu, Seoul. This growth has cemented its position as the top provider of gaseous hydrogen refueling stations in South Korea. Currently, the company is constructing eight liquid hydrogen refueling stations.

Hyosung Heavy Industries has also actively pursued partnerships with public institutions and private companies. It has signed MOUs with entities such as Busan City and Uljin County, working to establish a hydrogen industry ecosystem and promote mutual growth. In September 2023, the company partnered with the Seoul Energy Corporation to position Seoul as a leading city for hydrogen mobility. With this agreement, Hyosung Heavy Industries aims to expand the city's hydrogen refueling infrastructure and explore urban renewable energy projects, contributing to the broader hydrogen economy. HYOSUNG will continue to strengthen partnerships and enhance its competitiveness until the hydrogen energy it produces and supplies is widely utilized.

HYOSUNG’s Technological Innovations That Secured Its No. 1 Position in Korea's Hydrogen Refueling Station Market

Hyosung Heavy Industries has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the No. 1 player in Korea's hydrogen refueling station market. With the highest supply record for gas refueling equipment and the largest team of hydrogen refueling system specialists in the country, it has cemented its position as a market leader.

HYOSUNG’s rapid growth was possible thanks to its proprietary technologies that stem from the company’s R&D capabilities. Hydrogen fuel requires precise control during compression and refueling due to sensitivity to temperature and pressure. Hyosung Heavy Industries has applied the CNG compression system technology it accumulated through its participation in the government’s eco-friendly vehicle promotion program since 2000 to enable faster and safer hydrogen refueling.

The stations are equipped with 700-bar capacity, allowing a full charge in just 3 to 5 minutes, and they can refuel more than 5 hydrogen vehicles per hour. The company also boasts significant advantages in station management and operation. With prompt aftercare and continuous upgrades, Hyosung Heavy Industries ensures optimal system performance. In case of issues, data analysis enables quick and accurate identification of the cause. Furthermore, the stations are equipped with hydrogen flame detectors and pressure sensors to ensure safety.

HYOSUNG’s hydrogen refueling station equipment is well-known for its exceptional durability. This is due to the company’s in-house development of key technologies such as refueling machines, hydrogen gas cooling systems, and hydrogen gas compression packages. Going forward, the company plans to gradually increase the domestic production rate of hydrogen station equipment and components to further enhance quality and ensure stable operations.

The Future of the Hydrogen Industry Found in Liquefied Hydrogen Plants

Hyosung Heavy Industries, which has built a strong presence in the hydrogen industry over the years, is looking to liquefied hydrogen as the future of hydrogen refueling stations. Liquefied hydrogen is hydrogen gas cooled to below -253°C, turning it into a liquid. It has 1/800th the volume of gaseous hydrogen, which significantly reduces installation space, while also offering advantages in terms of transportation costs and refueling speed. Liquefied hydrogen refueling stations using high-efficiency, low-power pumps can reduce operating costs while delivering high-density liquid hydrogen, further improving economic feasibility.

As demand for hydrogen fuel-based transportation continues to rise, having the technology and systems to efficiently store and transport liquefied hydrogen is key to maintaining competitiveness. Since 2020, HYOSUNG has been collaborating with global chemical giant Linde Group to advance its liquefied hydrogen business. Hyosung Heavy Industries has identified three main goals: expanding R&D on hydrogen production and refueling equipment, developing blue and green hydrogen extraction technologies and localizing equipment, and establishing a foundation for carbon-neutral hydrogen projects. Through these efforts, the company is strengthening its position in the hydrogen market.

Hydrogen Engine Generators: A New Path to Carbon Neutrality

Hyosung Heavy Industries is also focusing on the hydrogen engine generator business. Instead of the complex traditional hydrogen combustion methods, the company is concentrating on hydrogen engine technology, which is simpler yet highly efficient. In 2023, Hyosung Heavy Industries entered into a MOA with INNIO Jenbacher, an Austrian gas engine company, to actively promote hydrogen engine generator demonstration projects, making significant strides toward the hydrogen economy's future.

As a result of these efforts, HYOSUNG achieved the world’s first successful commercialization of a 100% hydrogen engine generator in May 2024. Unlike conventional generators that require a mix of hydrogen, coal, and other fuels, HYOSUNG’s hydrogen engine generator operates solely on pure hydrogen. Additionally, it does not emit carbon dioxide, receiving widespread recognition for contributing to carbon neutrality.

The hydrogen industry reflects the global demand for greenhouse gas reduction. For HYOSUNG, a leading manufacturer on the global stage, this trend presents both a new opportunity and a responsibility to achieve it. As such, HYOSUNG is actively pursuing hydrogen development and production, working to simultaneously advance the hydrogen economy and achieve ESG goals. The company will continue to play a leading role in the industry by enhancing hydrogen production and distribution, expanding liquefied hydrogen plants, and further localizing equipment. HYOSUNG will remain committed to creating a cleaner future through continued investment and research in the hydrogen industry.