Hyosung’s hydrogen engine power generator is an innovative product capable of generating electricity solely from 100% hydrogen fuel.
SEOUL, May 9 (Korea Bizwire) – In a groundbreaking achievement, Hyosung Heavy Industries has successfully commercialized the world’s first hydrogen engine power generator, a crucial product for developing next-generation carbon-free power solutions.
Since mid-April, Hyosung has initiated full operations of a 1-megawatt hydrogen engine power generator installed at Hyosung Chemical’s Yongyeon 2 plant in Ulsan, South Korea.
Hyosung’s hydrogen engine power generator is an innovative product capable of generating electricity solely from 100% hydrogen fuel.
While other domestic and international companies have developed hydrogen co-firing generators that use a combination of fuels like natural gas and coal, Hyosung is the first in the world to commercialize a generator powered exclusively by hydrogen.
Hydrogen engine power generators are highly effective in reducing carbon dioxide emissions, as they do not release carbon during the electricity generation process. Utilizing 100% hydrogen fuel in a 1-megawatt generator can reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 7,000 tons compared to coal-fired power plants.
By configuring multiple hydrogen engine generators in parallel, carbon dioxide emissions can be significantly reduced in proportion to the generated power output.
Hyosung’s achievement is particularly significant as it accelerates the government’s target of transitioning to hydrogen combustion power by around 20 years, originally set for 2050.
In terms of safety, Hyosung is the only domestic company to have passed safety inspections by the Korea Gas Safety Corporation and the Korea Electrical Safety Corporation this year, receiving approval for commercial operation.
With the government launching its Clean Hydrogen Power Generation program in June, aimed at reducing carbon emissions, Hyosung’s hydrogen engine power generator is expected to drive the revitalization of the clean hydrogen power market.
The technology is also anticipated to greatly assist companies in establishing sustainable manufacturing environments. Starting in June, the newly enacted Distributed Energy Revitalization Special Act will help companies achieve their RE100 targets (commitment to 100% renewable energy usage).
Hydrogen engines can utilize both hydrogen and natural gas as fuel, allowing operators to adjust the hydrogen combustion or co-firing ratio based on clean hydrogen pricing.
“The successful commercialization of the hydrogen engine power generator is the result of Hyosung Heavy Industries’ accumulated technological capabilities and expertise in various hydrogen business sectors, including power equipment, hydrogen refueling station construction and operation, and liquid hydrogen plant construction,” said Woo Tae-hee, CEO of Hyosung Heavy Industries.
“We will actively contribute to establishing sustainable business environments for power companies and corporations, while leading the revitalization of the hydrogen economy through pioneering efforts in the hydrogen engine power generation market.”
Last July, Hyosung Heavy Industries signed a memorandum of understanding with INNIO Jenbacher, an Austrian gas engine specialist, to collaborate on a hydrogen engine power generator demonstration project, accelerating the development of this cutting-edge technology.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
