Hyundai Motor Group is set to introduce a clean hydrogen energy circulation model at the Antarctic research station. The initiative aims to improve the power system of the research facility, which has relied on diesel power, and transition to eco-friendly energy to establish a sustainable polar research system.
On June 18, Hyundai Motor Group announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding for the 'Green Hydrogen Grid at the Antarctic Research Station' at the Conrad Hotel in Yeouido, attended by key figures including President Sung Kim, Minister Hwang Jong-woo, and Director Shin Hyung-cheol.
This memorandum is being pursued in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the King Sejong Station in Antarctica in 2028. Hyundai Motor Group plans to implement a clean energy circulation model encompassing hydrogen production, storage, and power generation in Antarctica.
The 'Green Hydrogen Grid' is a hydrogen power system based on renewable energy, producing and storing hydrogen through the electrolysis of water using electricity generated from renewable sources like solar power, and then utilizing it in fuel cell power generation to produce electricity again.
To reduce reliance on diesel power in Antarctica and to compensate for the variability of renewable energy, Hyundai Motor Group will establish a polar-specific green hydrogen grid that produces and stores hydrogen using surplus solar power during periods of abundant sunlight, which can then be used in fuel cells when solar power generation is limited.
This will involve the installation of related facilities at the Antarctic research station, including an 'electrolyzer' for water electrolysis, a 'hydrogen storage unit' for compressing and storing hydrogen, and a 'fuel cell generator' for producing electricity using hydrogen.
Additionally, efforts will be made to expand the solar power capacity at the Antarctic base by enhancing solar power facilities.
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Korea Polar Research Institute will collaborate on the construction and operation of relevant facilities on-site and will introduce a hybrid power operation system that encompasses hydrogen, solar, and diesel power to gradually increase the share of eco-friendly energy.
Hyundai Motor Group, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, and the Korea Polar Research Institute expect that by implementing suitable hydrogen solutions for the Antarctic region, they will not only enhance the utilization of renewable energy but also contribute to the stable operation of the research station's power supply and the creation of a sustainable polar research environment.
Furthermore, by establishing a foundation for eco-friendly energy independence at the Antarctic research station, they aim to ensure stable research activities even in extreme environments and accelerate the push for carbon neutrality at the research facilities.
The green hydrogen grid being pursued by Hyundai Motor Group is centered on a clean energy circulation model that produces and consumes eco-friendly energy locally in Antarctica.
Historically, the Antarctic research station has produced power primarily from diesel due to its isolated location, which is not connected to external power grids, and the harsh weather and logistical conditions that make stable energy supply challenging. Currently, about 97% of the power at the King Sejong Station and Jang Bogo Station, operated by the Korea Polar Research Institute, comes from diesel, relying heavily on fossil fuels.
While both stations have aimed to transition to eco-friendly energy by installing solar power facilities and utilizing some of the generated power, they have faced difficulties in stable energy supply due to frequent weather variables such as inclement weather and snowfall, as well as significant seasonal variations in sunlight during the summer and winter.
The Antarctic stations plan to gradually increase the use of eco-friendly energy, starting with the establishment of the green hydrogen grid, to accelerate efforts in climate change response and carbon reduction as facilities primarily focused on climate and environmental research.
Through this project, Hyundai Motor Group aims to expand its global hydrogen ecosystem based on the hydrogen technology capabilities and business experience accumulated both domestically and internationally.
In South Korea, the group has been developing hydrogen city projects that establish clean hydrogen production facilities in regions such as Cheongju and Paju, linking production, storage, and utilization.
Internationally, they are advancing hydrogen ecosystem projects in Indonesia and Hong Kong, designing and applying hydrogen solutions tailored to local markets.
Hyundai Motor Group expects that by introducing optimized hydrogen solutions for the extreme environment of Antarctica based on these practical experiences, it will not only support the carbon neutrality efforts of the Antarctic stations but also solidify its competitiveness and leadership in the global hydrogen industry.
Sung Kim, President of Hyundai Motor Group, stated, "The establishment of the Antarctic Green Hydrogen Grid CSR project is a significant starting point for the transition to eco-friendly energy at the Antarctic research station. This collaboration is meaningful as it aligns with the government's carbon neutrality promotion policies and direction."
He added, "Hyundai Motor Group will continue to create sustainable hydrogen solutions that can be applied in extreme environments, based on our hydrogen technology across the entire lifecycle, and will persist in our social contribution activities utilizing the group's technological capabilities."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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