South Korean Ministry of Environment collaborates with Hyundai, SK E&S, and the National Chartered Bus Association to bring 2,000 hydrogen-powered commuter buses to the nation’s roads by 2026. The initiative aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide efficient transportation.
Choo Hyeong-wook (seventh from the left in the front row), CEO of SK E&S, signed a business agreement with officials including Environment Minister Han Hwa-jin (fifth) and Hyundai Motor Vice President Kim Dong-wook (second) in front of the hydrogen bus on the 4th. We are taking commemorative photos afterwards. Photo courtesy of SK E&S
On May 4th, a business agreement was signed in Seoul to promote the adoption of hydrogen commuter buses by ESG-leading companies. The Ministry of Environment plans to support the conversion of 250 corporate commuter buses this year and a cumulative total of 2,000 by 2026. They will also extend the performance guarantee period for hydrogen buses and secure ample purchase subsidies. Companies that adopt hydrogen buses will be encouraged through ESG management green finance incentives.
Hyundai Motor Company will ensure a smooth transition to hydrogen buses. These eco-friendly vehicles are equipped with hydrogen fuel cell systems, allowing them to travel up to 635 km on a single charge. SK E&S is committed to producing and supplying liquefied hydrogen fuel and developing charging infrastructure in a timely manner. By the end of this year, they plan to produce up to 30,000 tons of liquefied hydrogen and construct charging stations in partnership with US Plug Power.
Replacing long-distance commuter buses operating on fixed routes with hydrogen buses could substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, 88.6% (35,000 units) of South Korea’s 40,000 chartered buses are used for commuting and school transportation. Transitioning to hydrogen buses could reduce 2.2 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually. POSCO E&C has already introduced hydrogen commuter buses in South Korea, while SK Hynix, SK Siltron, and Samsung Electronics are considering similar conversions.
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