Innovation

HTWO Grid solution

HTWO Grid:
Hyundai
Motor
Group’s hydrogen
solution

Hyundai introduces HTWO Grid, Hyundai Motor Group’s hydrogen solution that will accelerate the transition to a hydrogen society. HTWO, Hyundai Motor Group's hydrogen value chain business brand, harnesses the capabilities of each affiliate within the group to offer an optimized, customized package that integrates unit solutions (Grid) to meet the diverse environmental characteristics and needs of customers at every stage of hydrogen production, storage, transportation, and utilization.
Close-up image of water drops on a watery-blue background with the Hyundai Motor Group logo in the center and various Hyundai entities’ logos positioned in orbit.
With HTWO Grid solution, Hyundai Motor Group will lead the growth of its hydrogen business, connecting the entire value chain from production to utilization.
Explore our comprehensive involvement in the hydrogen value chain, spanning resource circulation hydrogen production(waste-to-hydrogen, plastic-to-hydrogen), green hydrogen production, hydrogen distribution and logistics, ammonia carriers, hydrogen fuel cell trams, green steel, hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks, and mobile hydrogen fuel cell generators.

Hydrogen
production

Waste-to-hydrogen, plastic-to-hydrogen production through electrolysis are the areas in which Hyundai Motor Group is deeply involved. Waste that burdens our planet can be used as feedstock to create hydrogen energy, creating a double positive effect as we resolve waste pollution along the way. Moreover, we can produce green hydrogen through electrolysis, which does not emit polluting gases either during combustion or during production.
Green hydrogen production through water electrolysis utilizes power generated by renewable energy sources, which does not emit polluting gases either during combustion or production.
A facility for waste-to-hydrogen is shown on the middle

1. Waste-to-hydrogen (W2H)

Organic wastes such as food waste, sewage sludge, and livestock manure generate large quantities of methane, which causes global warming issues. Waste-to-hydrogen not only prevents global warming by utilizing such methane, but also creates new industrial value through hydrogen as an eco-friendly energy.

The waste-to-hydrogen takes organic waste and break it down with microorganisms in a process called anaerobic digestion. This process enables the transformation from waste to biogas. And then biogas is upgraded to biomethane, while removing CO2 and impurities, and biomethane, which is then reformed and reborn as hydrogen.

Waste-to-hydrogen is an advanced technology that has been proven and is already in action in Chungju City, Korea. Hyundai E&C and Hyundai Rotem are participating in a demonstration project for biogas hydrogen production and utilization. It is the world's first facility to produce 500 kg of hydrogen per day using 60 tons of food waste and to operate hydrogen cars in an integrated commercial manner.

The greatest advantage of waste-to-hydrogen is the ability to establish mini hydrogen production hubs at the regional level. Achieving hydrogen resource independence becomes feasible by reducing the cost of the hydrogen transportation and storage process. With these advantages in mind, Hyundai plans to develop specialized resource circulation package projects tailored to different regions and countries.

Biogas production facility is seen in the middle.

Hyundai E&C

Hyundai E&C is procuring biogas production and operation & maintenance technology from organic waste and researching ways to enhance the operation & maintenance capabilities of biogas energy conversion technology. Hyundai E&C is also involved in constructing integrated bio gasification energy facilities and advancing biogas technology development in collaboration with the South Korean government.
A Hyundai Generator building with blue doors and the words Hy-Green 300 written on the front.

Hyundai Rotem

Hyundai Rotem is engaged in various hydrogen infrastructure projects spanning from hydrogen production to utilization and possesses the capabilities to build diverse hydrogen infrastructure, such as hydrogen reformers and hydrogen fueling stations. Hyundai Rotem's hydrogen reformers can produce up to 640 kg of high-purity hydrogen (over 99.995%) per day from natural gas or biogas. Additionally, this company is collaborating with hydrogen-dedicated institutions as well as the academic sector to develop new technologies such as liquefied hydrogen storage and carbon dioxide capture, thereby taking a leading role in establishing the hydrogen value chain.

2. Plastic-to-hydrogen (P2H)

Non-recycled plastic waste, whether incinerated or disposed of in landfills, results in environmental pollution in the air, soil, and oceans. As of 2019, the plastic recycling rate accounted for only 9%, and the total amount of plastic waste is expected to increase to 1.23 billion tons by 2060.

Plastics that cannot be recycled and end up being incinerated or deposited in landfills - such as contaminated plastic, composite material waste like toys, and vinyl - can be utilized as materials to produce hydrogen, contributing to the solution of waste issues.

The collected plastic waste goes through the stages to be reborn as hydrogen energy. First, in the “preprocessing” stage, impurities like metal, sand, paper are removed, producing plastic waste raw material. Second, with Hyundai Engineering's self-developed “melting” process, the preprocessed plastic waste is heated and stirred to be melted into a viscous liquid state. This process further removes fine impurities. In the gasification process, plastic waste is melted into liquid and introduced into the gasifier alongside oxygen and steam to produce  a synthesis gas consisting of CO and H2 using Shell's technology. Lastly, in the synthesis gas refining process, additional H2 is produced through the conversion process of CO, impurities contained in the synthesis gas are removed, and CO2 is separated. This results in the production of high-purity hydrogen from plastic waste, completing the transformation into circular energy.

By utilizing 130,000 tons of plastic waste as a raw material, 24,000 tons of hydrogen can be processed in an environmentally friendly manner per year. the hydrogen from plastic-to-hydrogen can be utilized in various fields such as marine fuel methanoal and hydrogen fuel for FCEV.

The equipment required to turn plastic waste into hydrogen all lined up in a lab with hydrogen written on the left hand side and plastic on the right.

Hyundai Engineering

Hyundai Engineering aims to contribute to sustainability by transforming plastic waste into hydrogen, accelerating the transition to a hydrogen society. Moreover, the company plans to utilize the plastic-to-hydrogen process to create an alternative circular raw material for existing fossil fuel-based refining factories in Europe, thus contributing to solving environmental problems and leading the way in environmentally friendly energy production.

3. Green hydrogen production

Hydrogen is categorized into gray hydrogen, blue hydrogen, and green hydrogen based on production methods. Green hydrogen refers to hydrogen produced by electrolyzing water using renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower. As it is carbon emission-free, green hydrogen is the ultimate eco-friendly energy.

Hyundai Motor Group is actively promoting green hydrogen production. Hyundai is developing a megawatt-scale PEM electrolyzer. Compared to classical alkaline method, PEM method is a more promising way to produce green hydrogen in many aspects. Hyundai is aiming to achieve megawatt-scale PEM electrolyzer manufacturing capabilities within the next few years and aim to cut the price by half through sharing our PEM fuel cell components and production facilities.

Hyundai E&C and Hyundai Engineering are involved in the construction of several water electrolysis-based hydrogen production facilities as Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractors.

Hyundai E&C and Hyundai Engineering

Hyundai E&C and Hyundai Engineering are participating in the construction of electrolysis-based hydrogen production facilities, producing 1 ton of hydrogen per day in South Korea’s Busan and Buyeo, respectively. As total EPC providers, both companies possess capabilities in design, procurement, and construction, as well as operation, maintenance, and repair, specializing in the stable construction and operation of electrolysis plants. Hyundai E&C and Hyundai Engineering are enhancing their expertise in the construction of electrolysis plants, further expanding projects for large-scale green hydrogen production with plans to explore overseas markets, including the Middle East.
An electrolysis based hydrogen production facility from above. Hyundai Engineering is participating in the construction of a water-electrolysis based green hydrogen production facility.

Hydrogen
storage
and transportation

A stable supply of hydrogen is essential for ensuring everyone can access hydrogen energy anywhere. Explore Hyundai Motor Group's hydrogen logistics business process, which focuses on safe storage and transportation of larger quantities of hydrogen. Also, find information about ammonia carriers, one of the methods used for hydrogen marine transportation.
Hydrogen transportation truck is starting moving to hydrogen fueling station.

1. Hydrogen distribution and logistics

Hyundai Glovis, an affiliate of the Hyundai Motor Group, is in charge of managing the hydrogen logistics business. Notably, the company handles hydrogen transportation from the Dangjin hydrogen shipping center in South Korea to hydrogen fueling stations, coordinating the fueling schedule and dispatch plans for tube trailers and establishing a systematic hydrogen logistics business.

Hydrogen is produced through various methods: by-product hydrogen is generated in processes like steel manufacturing, reforming hydrogen is extracted from other gases such as natural gas, and green hydrogen is produced via electrolysis.

After production, hydrogen undergoes processing for distribution, is injected into tube trailers after high temperature compression, and is then shipped to various locations. Gaseous hydrogen is managed with an appropriate supply schedule aligned with its production. After being transported via hydrogen transport trucks, the stored hydrogen is finally sold and utilized at hydrogen fueling stations, industrial facilities, and elsewhere.

The front part of a truck used for transporting hydrogen.

Hyundai Glovis

Hyundai Glovis has been continuously performing hydrogen logistics operations based on shipping centers and fueling stations and expanding its reach to industrial users and customer bases, including power plants. Furthermore, Hyundai Glovis possesses extensive experience in hydrogen procurement, transportation, and sales. Leveraging a diverse range of capabilities in hydrogen logistics and distribution, Hyundai Glovis is preparing for a hydrogen-powered society where everyone can receive stable hydrogen energy.

2. Ammonia carriers

Hyundai Glovis has successfully procured orders for two very large gas carriers (VLGCs) for ammonia transport and is set to begin operation in 2024.
Ammonia carriers are gaining attention as an effective means of transporting hydrogen. Hydrogen can be transported by sea in two ways: transported as liquid hydrogen or stored and transported in the form of ammonia. Although transporting liquid hydrogen allows for mass transport, maintaining a temperature as low as -253 degrees Celsius incurs significant costs. Ammonia transport, on the other hand, has gained popularity as an alternative to liquid hydrogen transport.
With a boiling point of only -33 degrees Celsius, ammonia can be easily liquefied, requiring less energy for transportation. A compound of hydrogen and nitrogen, ammonia can be decomposed to obtain hydrogen. Moreover, it can store 1.7 times more hydrogen per unit volume, facilitating large-scale transportation compared to liquefied hydrogen. Another reason for its popularity is that, as a widely used raw material for fertilizers and chemicals, ammonia already has infrastructure facilities for transportation and storage in most countries.
A ship is moving forward in ocean

Hyundai Glovis

Hyundai Glovis is dedicated to advancing its maritime transportation capabilities in the realm of hydrogen energy by operating ammonia transport carriers, thereby broadening its business portfolio. As a strategic move, the company has inked a cargo transportation contract with Trafigura, a leading raw material trading company based in Switzerland, recognized for dealing with gases and minerals globally. Hyundai Glovis is set to deliver two very large gas carriers (VLGCs) by 2024, enabling the transportation not only of ammonia but also of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for up to a decade. Boasting a loading capacity of 86,000 cubic meters, the newly constructed vessel ranks among the largest gas carriers globally.
Hyundai Glovis is expanding partnerships, adapting to the growing volume of ammonia maritime transport.

Hydrogen
utilization

Hydrogen can be widely used in various fields. Check how hydrogen is utilized with Hyundai Motor Group’s technology and find out more about our hydrogen fuel cell trams, green steel, hydrogen fuel cell trucks, and mobile fuel cell generators.
Hydrogen fuel cell tram is displayed, and the letter is written as hydrogen fuel cell.

1. Hydrogen fuel cell trams

Hydrogen fuel cell trams serve as environmentally friendly public transportation in complex urban environments, contributing to the purification and generation of clean air, and enhancing the aesthetics of cities.

Operating in a hybrid manner, hydrogen fuel cell trams combine hydrogen fuel cells with electric batteries. Each tram features four 95 kW capacity hydrogen fuel cells, enabling a maximum range of 150 km after a single charge. As a green mobility solution, the hydrogen tram can purify approximately 800 μg of fine dust and generate 107.6 kg of clean air per operational hour.

Additionally, by transporting a large number of passengers, hydrogen fuel cell trams can reduce the carbon emissions generated when using mobility powered by internal combustion engines. Hyundai Rotem is developing hydrogen fuel cell trams that operate on wireless lines, ensuring safety by eliminating the risk associated with overhead electric lines. This approach eliminates the need for separate electrical facilities such as tram lines and substations for power supply, enhancing the city's aesthetics and reducing the construction of infrastructure and maintenance costs.
Hyundai’s hydrogen tram traveling through an urban environment.

Hyundai Rotem

In 2021, Hyundai Rotem participated in the South Korean government's hydrogen tram development project. By conducting a demonstration project for mass-produced hydrogen trams until 2023, Hyundai Rotem has acquired an independent hydrogen vehicle platform.

In response to the growing demand for eco-friendly rail vehicles both domestically and internationally, Hyundai Rotem plans to expand its lineup beyond hydrogen fuel cell trams; the upcoming lineup includes hydrogen fuel cell high speed train, hydrogen fuel cell multiple unit, hydrogen fuel cell locomotive. Going forward, the company aims to manufacture, export, and distribute these vehicles globally while fostering communication with future customers.

2. Green steel

Hyundai Steel is actively working toward carbon neutrality in response to the global demand for a carbon-neutral era and aligning with South Korea's national greenhouse gas reduction goals. The company aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and has an interim target set for 2030.
Furthermore, Hyundai Steel is preparing to establish a medium-to-long-term green steel production system to advance as a sustainable and environmentally friendly steelmaker.

The shift towards a decarbonized society is accelerating, extending beyond the automotive industry to steel manufacturing. In this context, green steel focuses on reducing carbon in the supply chain and minimizing carbon emissions in the production of steel, is gaining attention. Environmentally friendly processes in steel production, such as replacing traditional blast furnaces with electric furnaces, as well as the use of hydrogen and renewable energy instead of coal, can contribute significantly to a substantial reduction in carbon emissions.

Green steel production involves several stages. Hydrogen or renewable energy is supplied to the direct reduction plant (DRP), a facility for the production of direct reduced iron (DRI, HBI), where iron ore reacts with natural gas to produce purified iron by eliminating impurities. The purified iron is then melted in an electric furnace, extracting molten iron with the required components. Subsequently, the material undergoes thinning in hot rolling and final processing through cold rolling and coating to produce eco-friendly steel plates, rebars, and sheets.

Hyundai Steel’s electric arc furnaces can be seen with fire.

Hyundai Steel

Hyundai Steel unveiled its carbon-neutral roadmap, Pathway to Green Steel, in April 2023. The company is aiming to reduce direct and indirect carbon emissions by 12% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. To achieve this, it plans to utilize existing electric furnaces to introduce low-carbon molten iron into the blast furnace operation in the first phase. In the second phase, Hyundai Steel will establish its new proprietary electric furnace as it aims to introduce materials with approximately a 40% reduction in carbon emissions to the market by 2030.

The new electric furnace will incorporate Hyundai Steel's proprietary low-carbon product manufacturing system known as Hy-Cube technology. Hy-Cube is a core technology blending iron scrap, low-carbon molten iron produced in blast furnaces, and hydrogen-reduced direct reduction iron into the new electric furnace, effectively minimizing the environmental impact while producing premium flat products like automotive steel plates. The resulting low-carbon products will be marketed under the exclusive brand name “'HyECOsteel'” and offered to major global customers.

Additionally, Hyundai Steel is committed to solidifying its overseas business model and maximizing synergy through horizontal integration within the Hyundai Motor Group. By actively utilizing hydrogen as a primary off-taker for hydrogen energy, the company aims to evolve into a sustainable and eco-friendly steelmaker.

3. Hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks

The world's first mass-produced Class 8 heavy-duty hydrogen fuel cell electric truck by Hyundai Motor Group, XCIENT Fuel Cell has garnered significant success in Europe and the United States, establishing itself as a leading example of hydrogen mobility.
Hyundai Motor Group has continuously supplied XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks to key markets such as Switzerland and Germany, earning acclaim for its environmental friendliness and cutting-edge technological prowess.

XCIENT Fuel Cell boasts a 180 kW hydrogen fuel cell system and is capable of delivering a maximum output of 350 kW. Additionally, it has introduced XCIENT Fuel Cell tractor production model tailored specifically for the North American market.

Since its deployment in Switzerland, XCIENT Fuel Cell has surpassed a comprehensive accumulated distance of 8.5 million kilometers in just 3 years. Hyundai is also actively involved in hydrogen-related demonstration projects in the U.S. This includes participation in the NorCAL ZERO project in Northern California, which involves 30 Hyundai XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks to support the decarbonization of the Port of Oakland. The Group will also play part of the ‘Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs’ program, part of the U.S. government initiative for hydrogen infrastructure development.
A white Hyundai XCIENT fuel cell truck driving along the road with the words XCIENT Fuel Cell on the side.

Hyundai Motor Company

Hyundai Motor Company is consistently strengthening the collaborations with its partners including global e-commerce players in the fields of green logistics transformation. Hyundai Motor Company remains committed to providing optimized hydrogen mobility solutions, building on the foundation of our hydrogen fuel cell trucks.

4. Mobile fuel cell generator

Incorporating the two identical fuel cell systems used in the fuel cell electric vehicle NEXO, the mobile hydrogen fuel cell generator supplies electricity through the fuel cell stack using hydrogen, achieving a maximum output of 160 kW.

The mobile fuel cell generator supplies electricity solely through the fuel cell stack without the need for additional auxiliary power storage devices. It can provide emergency power in situations such as power outages or challenging environments where power supply is difficult. Also It can simultaneously charge two electric vehicles quickly, such as large-capacity electric buses and trucks, as well as cars.

Moreover, the generator has extensive applications in a variety of fields, such as electric vehicle motorsports, where eco-friendly charging infrastructure is used. With its remarkable versatility, this environmentally friendly generator, which emits no pollutants other than water, has positioned itself as a promising alternative to traditional diesel generators in the future.
Hyundai’s Mobile Hydrogen Fuel Cell Generator at an exhibition.

Hyundai Motor Company

Mobile fuel cell generator can be utilized in sustainable EV racing. To be specific, Hyundai mobile fuel cell generator was utilized in Electric Touring Car Racing (ETCR), a motorsport competition exclusively featuring all-electric car models. To ensure the seamless operation of high-performance electric vehicles for all participating companies in the competition, Hyundai has established an eco-friendly charging infrastructure using its hydrogen fuel cell system. The racing cars in the ETCR series charged their batteries using electricity generated by the fuel cell generator produced by Hyundai Motor Group.