This concept image provided by Hyundai Rotem shows a hydrogen fuel-cell tram.
SEOUL, April 20 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea’s first conceptual model of a hydrogen fuel-cell tram, spotlighted as one of the next-generation eco-friendly means of public transportation, has recently been unveiled.
The model made its first appearance at Hyundai Rotem Co.’s plant in the southeastern city of Changwon on Tuesday, developed to test its primary components before its commercial release.
Hyundai Rotem, a major railway system and plant equipment maker, reported on the tram’s development process as the company unveiled the model, carrying out remotely controlled demonstrations.
Hydrogen fuel-cell trams do not emit fine dust or hazardous gases, and are capable of mass transportation like the subway without the need to build underground tunnels.
Starting this year, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy plans to invest 45 billion won (US$40.5 million) by 2023 to test hydrogen-powered trams before introducing them as South Korea’s newest exports.
The completion ceremony for Seongju Hydrogen Station, which as the country’s first hydrogen production plant is capable of generating 360 tons of hydrogen every year, was also held on the same day.
A hydrogen production plant, operated simultaneously with filling stations, is capable of extracting and producing hydrogen on the spot using natural gas.
It reduces the large transportation costs that occur when hydrogen is supplied from other locations, making hydrogen more affordable to consumers.
Seongju Hydrogen Station plans to set up a system that collects carbon dioxide emissions during the extraction of hydrogen from natural gas to process with dry ice, maximizing its eco-friendly features.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
