Hyundai Buys into Hydrogen Storage Solution
As a clear indication of where Hyundai thinks e-mobility is heading, it has announced investment in a European hydrogen storage solution.
The South Korean automaker has bought into the German Hydrogenious LOHC Technologies seen as the beginning of a comprehensive cooperation between the two companies. The investment is connected with a joint technology and business development agreement for stationary and on-board Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC) technology systems.
The technology stores hydrogen by using an oil type fluid as the liquid organic carrier to allow safe and efficient handling within the existing fuel infrastructure. Hydrogenious’ LOHC technology enables storage of hydrogen produced in geographic locations with a surplus of renewable energy. It then also allows it to be efficiently transported to consumers whether for demand renewable energy or hydrogen as valuable feedstock.
Hyundai plans to roll-out the technology throughout its fuel cell products with initial focus on South Korea. Afterwards, both parties plan to extend the cooperation and to merge with Hyundai’s hydrogen activities in Europe.
Yunseong Hwang, vice-president of open innovation investment group at Hyundai Motor Company, said: “We are committed to demonstrating the benefits of LOHC technology to both government and end users. Our goal is to establish LOHC as hydrogen vector within the broader South Korean ambitions of building a national hydrogen infrastructure.”
— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in London. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_
