Hyundai has strengthened its partnership with the US Department of Energy (DOE) and its support for the DOE Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Program. In doing so it aims to increase technical collaboration to better understand challenges and to collect and publish independently validated data from demonstrating fuel cell technologies and hydrogen infrastructure under real world operating conditions.
As part of the partnership, Hyundai will provide the DOE with five Nexo fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) for use in various regions of the country, including Washington DC, to help advance research and development of fuel cell technologies. Data from the vehicles and infrastructure will be collected, analyzed and published to identify additional research needs in key areas such as durability, performance and reliability. Activities will also help support training and workforce development programs.
In addition to supporting the US Federal Government’s advancement of fuel cell technologies, Hyundai will contribute funding to install a small-scale hydrogen fueling station in the Washington DC area this fall, previously developed through the Department of Energy’s H-Prize H2Refuel competition.
“Hyundai Motor is proud to partner with and support the US Department of Energy’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Program as part of our commitment in supporting the transition to clean energy,” said Euisun Chung, executive vice chairman of Hyundai Motor Group. “With the potential for application across multiple industries, we firmly believe that hydrogen fuel cells are necessary for a sustainable future. We are delighted that our technologies can help the US Department of Energy as it continues to explore the future potential of hydrogen.”
“The Trump Administration is committed to utilizing every source of energy to ensure America’s transportation needs and challenges are aptly met and resolved,” said under secretary of energy Mark W Menezes. “To meet this commitment it is essential that we collaborate with industry. We are pleased to partner with Hyundai to help advance fuel cell and hydrogen technologies and ensure our nation’s sustainable transportation future.”
Hyundai provided its first Nexo SUV to the US Department of Energy in 2019. The additional five vehicles will support the Department of Energy through the work to accelerate the progress of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies across a diverse range of applications. This will include work with the Department of Energy’s partners, such as the national renewable energy laboratory, as well as other agencies and stakeholders.
A separate MoU has also been agreed between the US Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA) and H2Korea, a South Korean private-government body promoting hydrogen convergence, to strengthen cooperation between the two countries to vitalize the global hydrogen economy.
Morry Markowitz, president of FCHEA, and Jae-do Moon, chairman of H2Korea, have agreed to exchange hydrogen technologies, propose joint policies and establish organizations to promote international cooperation on scaling-up the hydrogen industry.