How is South Korea Backing Hydrogen?

In a move that's won global acclaim, South Korea has unveiled plans to build a network of eco-friendly hydrogen fuelling stations. A joint venture from both the government and private businesses, the project will see over 300 charging stations rolled out across the country by 2022. According to the government, the project will help tackle air pollution and fuel nationwide demand for eco-friendly fuel cell vehicles.

Hyundai set to power hydrogen revolution

The first stage is setting up a special purpose company, also known as a SPC. It's expected to be up and running by November and will play a key role in helping businesses overcome the challenges posed by the hydrogen fuelling market. Progress is already underway, with a memorandum of understanding recently signed between the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and local auto manufacturers, state-run utilities companies and other related organisations.

Hyundai Motor Co, South Korea's leading automaker, was one of the first entities to sign on. State-run Korea Gas Corporation is also on-board, pledging to work closely with the SPC to install hydrogen fuelling stations across the country. Seoul has backed the project with plans to supply around 15,000 hydrogen vehicles to the South Korean market.

The buzz surrounding hydrogen fuel cell vehicles

Also known as FCEVs, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are essentially electric cars which split hydrogen atoms to power the motor, as opposed to relying on traditional battery stacks. Over the past few years big-name companies like Toyota, Kia, Hyundai, BMW, Honda and Mercedes have channelled billions of pounds into FCEV technology and research.

Cars are equipped with a fuel cell, which is similar in size to a standard combustion engine. It contains three key elements - an anode, a cathode and an electrolyte membrane. As they pass through the anode hydrogen molecules are split into electrons and protons. The electrons are then forced through a circuit which sparks an electric current and in turn powers the motor. Meanwhile, the protons pass through the membrane. The electrons then reach the cathode, where they're reunited with the protons and oxygen to create water, the only by-product emitted by FCEVs.

One of the biggest advantages over battery-powered EVs lies in range and refuelling capacity. FCEVs take just minutes to fill up and offer ranges of up to 500 miles. Environmental credentials are also a big drawcard, with hydrogen crowned as both a clean and sustainable resource.

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