# On November 4, at the World Hydrogen Expo 2026 (WHE 2026) in Goyang, South Korea, a one-meter-tall automated refueling robot began operating next to a hydrogen-powered cleaning truck displayed at the Hyundai Motor Group booth. The robot accurately located the truck's hydrogen refueling port, opened the protective cap, and initiated the refueling process.
The WHE 2026, which opened on this day, showcased South Korea's leadership in hydrogen technology and commercialization, featuring 197 companies from 12 countries, including major domestic firms, unveiling new technologies and mobility solutions in the hydrogen sector.
Hyundai Motor Group, which had the largest exhibition space among participants, expanded its hydrogen mobility business, traditionally centered on passenger vehicles like the Nexo, to include buses and trucks, presenting a diverse vision for hydrogen technology.
At the event, Hyundai unveiled a newly improved fuel cell system designed for durability, considering the longer operating hours and distances of buses and trucks compared to passenger cars. The company aims to enhance the reliability and performance of fuel cells to broaden the application of hydrogen in commercial vehicles.
The application of hydrogen technology is also expanding to rail transport. The exhibition featured models of hydrogen-powered locomotives and flat fuel cell modules, suggesting the potential for hydrogen energy in mass transportation beyond buses and trucks.
Tata Daewoo Mobility showcased a prototype vehicle, the Maxson Hydrogen Engine Tractor, utilizing hydrogen storage technology from Kolon Spaceworks. This vehicle, based on existing diesel internal combustion engine technology, uses hydrogen as fuel. It is noted for its potential to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 99% during operation, making it a significant technological alternative for the eco-friendly transition of large commercial vehicles, with mass production targeted for mid-next year.
Foreign visitors continued to explore the exhibition, examining hydrogen production and storage facilities as well as commercial vehicle technologies presented by domestic companies. Many took photos in front of hydrogen storage equipment or inquired about operational principles from company representatives.
A separate consultation space was set up to connect overseas buyers with domestic companies. The 'H2 Business Partnership Fair,' taking place from November 4 to 5, features 21 buyers from four countries, including Japan, Australia, India, and China, alongside over 50 domestic hydrogen companies. This event aims to explore product supply, technological collaboration, and international market expansion through one-on-one consultations, with a key goal of linking showcased technologies to actual export contracts and investments.
Ivana Jemelkova, CEO of the Hydrogen Council, stated, "The goal of the hydrogen ecosystem is to enable the most efficient use of very cheap and clean energy. South Korea has started its business based on a strong hydrogen mobility market, and it should actively leverage this to advance the hydrogen market."
* This article has been translated by AI.
The WHE 2026, which opened on this day, showcased South Korea's leadership in hydrogen technology and commercialization, featuring 197 companies from 12 countries, including major domestic firms, unveiling new technologies and mobility solutions in the hydrogen sector.
Hyundai Motor Group, which had the largest exhibition space among participants, expanded its hydrogen mobility business, traditionally centered on passenger vehicles like the Nexo, to include buses and trucks, presenting a diverse vision for hydrogen technology.
At the event, Hyundai unveiled a newly improved fuel cell system designed for durability, considering the longer operating hours and distances of buses and trucks compared to passenger cars. The company aims to enhance the reliability and performance of fuel cells to broaden the application of hydrogen in commercial vehicles.
The application of hydrogen technology is also expanding to rail transport. The exhibition featured models of hydrogen-powered locomotives and flat fuel cell modules, suggesting the potential for hydrogen energy in mass transportation beyond buses and trucks.
Tata Daewoo Mobility showcased a prototype vehicle, the Maxson Hydrogen Engine Tractor, utilizing hydrogen storage technology from Kolon Spaceworks. This vehicle, based on existing diesel internal combustion engine technology, uses hydrogen as fuel. It is noted for its potential to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 99% during operation, making it a significant technological alternative for the eco-friendly transition of large commercial vehicles, with mass production targeted for mid-next year.
Foreign visitors continued to explore the exhibition, examining hydrogen production and storage facilities as well as commercial vehicle technologies presented by domestic companies. Many took photos in front of hydrogen storage equipment or inquired about operational principles from company representatives.
A separate consultation space was set up to connect overseas buyers with domestic companies. The 'H2 Business Partnership Fair,' taking place from November 4 to 5, features 21 buyers from four countries, including Japan, Australia, India, and China, alongside over 50 domestic hydrogen companies. This event aims to explore product supply, technological collaboration, and international market expansion through one-on-one consultations, with a key goal of linking showcased technologies to actual export contracts and investments.
Ivana Jemelkova, CEO of the Hydrogen Council, stated, "The goal of the hydrogen ecosystem is to enable the most efficient use of very cheap and clean energy. South Korea has started its business based on a strong hydrogen mobility market, and it should actively leverage this to advance the hydrogen market."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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