Hyundai Motor has taken a significant step in advancing hydrogen cooperation by participating in the Korea-Japan Parliamentary League’s recent visit to Japan from March 10 to 12. Held in Tokyo and Kawasaki, the event highlighted the growing recognition that hydrogen is crucial for achieving a sustainable, carbon-neutral society. Hyundai’s involvement underscores its commitment to developing a strong hydrogen collaboration network with Japan.

As part of this initiative, Hyundai Motor is actively working to prepare and promote practical cooperation measures. These include developing international hydrogen technology standards, advancing demonstration projects like ammonia cracking for hydrogen production, and introducing cost-effective hydrogen-related components. The visit also emphasized efforts to align clean hydrogen recognition standards and promote mutual certification of hydrogen-related products, ensuring smoother market integration.

Key figures from both countries participated in the event. The Korean delegation included Joo Ho-young, Lee Jong-bae, and five other parliament members, while the Japanese side featured Yoshihide Suga, Akihisa Nagashima, and seven parliament members.

During the visit, participants toured significant hydrogen infrastructure sites, including the Tokyo Tower hydrogen charging station and Chiyoda Corporation’s hydrogen facilities. They also visited the liquefied hydrogen terminal at Kobe Port and attended a hydrogen-focused meeting at Kawasaki City Hall. These activities were designed to deepen understanding and foster collaboration on hydrogen technology between the two nations.

A key outcome of the visit was a parliamentary opinion exchange meeting at the First Members' Office Building of the House of Representatives in Tokyo. Lawmakers from both sides agreed to promote parliamentary support for strengthening hydrogen cooperation on a global scale. Discussions covered unified standards for clean hydrogen recognition, joint efforts in hydrogen charging technology standardization, and the collaborative development of hydrogen production technologies.

A significant point of discussion was Japan’s plan to establish a hydrogen-focused parliamentary research group, similar to Korea’s National Assembly Hydrogen Economy Forum. This initiative aims to drive joint legislative efforts, policy development, and regulatory improvements to support the growth of the hydrogen industry in both countries.

Hyundai Motor views this visit as a strategic opportunity to foster stronger bilateral ties and accelerate hydrogen industry advancements. A Hyundai Motor representative stated, “Korea and Japan possess world-class hydrogen technology. This visit will be a stepping stone to maximize mutual synergy in advancing hydrogen solutions.”

This enhanced cooperation is expected to not only improve diplomatic relations but also position Korea and Japan as leaders in the global hydrogen ecosystem. By combining their expertise, both nations aim to accelerate market growth, support carbon reduction strategies, and advance the transition to renewable energy sources.