Hyundai Motor Co. on Tuesday announced its partnership with the Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC), Air Liquide Korea, and Hydrogen Energy Network (HyNet) to establish a charging station for hydrogen-powered buses for South Korea’s main gateway.
The four parties on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding to boost the international airport’s establishment of an eco-friendly environment.
The installation is set to finish in March of next year at Incheon Airport’s Terminal 2.
The Ministry of Environment said that the agreement comes as part of its support for the establishment of refueling facilities for hydrogen-powered vehicles.
Under the Agreement
In a statement, Hyundai said that it would provide the hydrogen buses as well as support the construction cost of the charging station at the terminal. The South Korean carmaker would also take the responsibility for the maintenance and repair of the vehicles.
Under the agreement, the country’s main airport operator would provide its Terminal 2 as the site for the facility. The IAAC said that it plans to gradually replace old combustion engine shuttle buses with eco-friendly hydrogen-powered electric buses over five years.
Starting with the operation of seven fuel cell electric buses in the second half of this year, the IAAC would introduce three to five units into service annually. The IAAC also stated that along with the old shuttles, it would also replace old parking lots and logistics complexes.
Air Liquide, a French multinational company, would supply the hydrogen gas and high-capacity charging equipment, while HyNet would handle the operation and construction of the facility.
In October 2018, Hyundai teamed up with Air Liquide for the establishment of refueling facilities and hydrogen-powered vehicles.
Hyundai Motor’s President and Head of Commercial Vehicles Division, Seong Kwon Han, said that the partnership between the companies would stimulate the hydrogen economy in South Korea. He noted that the Incheon International Airport would become a beacon as a world-leading eco-friendly airport.
Han added that Hyundai Motor would continue to explore future business opportunities in the hydrogen economy.
