Hyundai Rotem, a Hyundai Motor Group subsidiary, announced on Monday that it would begin operation of the company’s hydrogen extractor factory to boost the hydrogen economy’s development and promote fuel cells as alternative fossil fuels. Hyundai would initiate the full operations of the factory starting this month.
A hydrogen extractor separates hydrogen from natural gas without emitting greenhouse gases, making it environmentally friendly. Hydrogen-powered fuel cells require less energy than fossil fuel-based fuel cells.
Hyundai Rotem renovated its Uiwang car electronic parts factory into a hydrogen extractor facility, which could produce 20 devices yearly. Twenty hydrogen extractors could provide about 4,700 tons of hydrogen fuel, which could power up to around 85,000 Nexo sports vehicles.
A Hyundai Rotem official said that the company expects the hydrogen-related businesses to increase briskly. Hyundai Rotem would provide a stable supply of hydrogen extractors to help improve South Korea’s hydrogen industry.
Additionally, the company would construct more extractor facilities depending on future market demands.
Last December 10, the company revealed that 80 percent of parts utilized in the hydrogen extractor come from local sources. Hyundai Rotem would fully localize parts and catalytic agents by March next year.
Catalytic agents produce hydrogen fuel by reacting with various chemicals, including ammonia, or speeding up the water’s electrolysis. Precious metals also provide catalysts with increased efficiency.
Hyundai Rotem stated that it would also localize other parts like compressors and dispensers, to enhance its domestic hydrogen businesses.
Hyundai’s auto group spearheads the hydrogen industry in South Korea. The motor group actively promotes hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, construction equipment and ships, and heavy-duty trucks.
The government already implemented hydrogen fuel cells and electric batteries as its future primary fuel source. The government also intends to provide 6.2 million fuel cell vehicles for domestic use and exports by 2040.
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