The World Hydrogen Expo 2025 marked a pivotal turning point for global hydrogen innovation, transforming the former H2Meet format into a fully international platform. Among the many technology leaders present, Mr. YoungKyun PARK, a key representative from the Korea Automobile & Mobility Association (KAMA) and a principal organizer of the newly elevated World Hydrogen Expo, offered invaluable insights into how Korea is shaping the hydrogen economy—from mobility and infrastructure to global policy and international cooperation.
In this exclusive SolarQuarter interview, Mr. Park discusses technological standouts, ecosystem challenges, international growth trajectories, and the strategic role Korea now plays in advancing the hydrogen value chain worldwide.
What do you think deserves the most attention of everything that is on display at the show?
Well, as predictable as it may sound, I would have to select Hyundai’s NEXO. Though launched just six months ago, it continues to generate strong market traction in Korea with more than 30,000 vehicles now on the road. The NEXO has not only accelerated consumer adoption but has also catalyzed the broader hydrogen economy—driving the expansion of refueling stations and associated infrastructure nationwide.
On the industry side, the product recognized as the best innovation of the event is an advanced hydrogen-to-power system from BTE. It has been distinguished by technical evaluators for its ability to generate electricity directly from hydrogen using next-gen diaphragm-based engineering. So, if NEXO is my personal pick in mobility, BTE stands as the professionals’ choice in power generation.
Charging infrastructure and storage technology are often cited as key bottlenecks in hydrogen mobility. What are the practical challenges and strategies needed to address them?
Korea currently operates a strong fleet of fuel cell vehicles, but the refueling infrastructure still needs to scale at pace with adoption. Hydrogen pricing remains a key concern; instead of the projected decrease, recent years have seen upward pressure—which affects both station operators and vehicle owners.
To address this, Hyundai has taken a decisive role by directly operating and acquiring refueling station networks. The move is quite significant: instead of relying solely on independent station owners, Hyundai is now ensuring operational continuity, improving service stability, and ultimately facilitating a faster and more reliable expansion of refueling points nationwide. This strategic intervention should directly support end-users and accelerate infrastructure maturity.
Global OEMs and mobility companies are revisiting fuel cell electric vehicles. What is the growth potential of hydrogen mobility over the next five years?
Growth will be substantial, especially in commercial mobility. While Hyundai remains Korea’s primary passenger FCEV manufacturer, the ecosystem is expanding. New entrants—including Ujin Sanjeon and Doosan—are preparing to launch hydrogen buses and heavy-duty platforms, and we expect their commercial rollouts to begin next year.
Globally, Korea, Japan, and Germany are advancing aggressively—particularly in heavy logistics, maritime, and industrial mobility. Korea, already a leader in shipbuilding, is transitioning diesel architectures towards ammonia and hydrogen-based propulsion. Over the next five years, we will see a rapid deployment of larger vehicles powered by fuel cells: buses, trucks, vessels, and even aviation and urban air mobility concepts. Hydrogen mobility is no longer constrained to cars; it is scaling across every major transport category.
How should we build the right balance between local projects, government policy, and private investment to achieve a scalable ecosystem?
Hydrogen infrastructure is still in its foundational phase, which means supportive national policy is indispensable. Korea recently restructured its energy regulatory governance, transferring hydrogen oversight to the Ministry of Environment to accelerate infrastructure investment and mobility deployment.
To bridge policy with industry execution, this expo itself serves as a platform for practical dialogue. Government funding will continue to prioritize refueling stations and public fleet deployment—especially buses and freight vehicles. Public-private alignment is absolutely essential, and Korea is positioning its regulatory framework to serve as a global benchmark.
What role do you expect the World Hydrogen Expo to play, particularly for mobility? And what kind of cooperation models would help bring it to life?
The expo is evolving into a global convergence point. By aligning with the Hydrogen Council and hosting their CEO Summit in Korea this year, we successfully gathered over 200 international industry leaders. Going forward, this event will not simply be a showcase but a strategic matchmaking platform—connecting OEMs, technology developers, investors, and policymakers.
Our restructuring is also critical. KAMA will continue leading the exhibition platform, while the Korea Hydrogen Alliance will drive technical and policy-focused conferences, deepening specialization and global relevance. We are also shifting the show permanently to November to align with Korea’s newly designated National Hydrogen Day.
Where do global leaders see Korea in the hydrogen supply chain?
Global CEOs clearly view Korea as an innovation leader in hydrogen mobility and hydrogen-powered maritime transition. They came here precisely to understand how Korea is structuring its policy, infrastructure, and industrial deployment. Korea’s strength lies not only in technology but in the cohesive alignment between industry and government. That combination is what the world is looking to replicate.
Do you see any major challenges with CEOs globally?
The hydrogen economy is in a recalibration phase. Capital expenditures remain high, returns are slow, and some key companies are temporarily scaling down investments. The geopolitical environment—particularly U.S.–China dynamics—also affects technology and supply chain transfer.
However, leading corporations such as Hyundai, SK, Doosan, and POSCO are preparing to re-accelerate investments beginning next year. Once infrastructure build-out milestones materialize, we expect market rehabilitation within two to three years. It is both a slowdown and a strategic reset.
Do you see the role of international collaboration evolving in the global hydrogen industry?
Absolutely—it is non-negotiable. No individual nation can build a hydrogen economy independently. Technology supply chains, hydrogen logistics, vessel engineering, electrolyzer manufacturing, and green hydrogen sourcing all require multinational integration.
Through KOTRA, we are actively connecting Korean companies with partners from Europe, the U.S., Japan, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia to reinforce the hydrogen value chain. Korea brings strong capabilities in ships, mobility engineering, and fuel cell systems. Global collaboration ensures that our ecosystem scales sustainably and inclusively.
What role do you see between the Middle East and Asia?
The Middle East is rapidly becoming the export cornerstone of hydrogen and ammonia, while Asia remains a major demand and technology center. Korea is actively collaborating with Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Oman—along with strategic dialogue with Saudi Arabia and South Africa—to ensure reciprocal development.
Korean companies are exporting buses and platforms to Europe and building hydrogen-powered freight solutions for the U.S. market. It is truly a two-way exchange: technology flows east-to-west while energy flows west-to-east.
Would you like to add anything about the show or next year’s plans?
Next year’s expo will be held in early November, aligned with Korea’s National Hydrogen Day. Our goal is straightforward: scale participation, bring in more international exhibitors, and introduce breakthrough mobility platforms, including first-time global reveals.
We welcome enhanced media partnership to amplify this platform worldwide. The future editions will focus heavily on commercial vehicles, maritime mobility, power applications, and advanced hydrogen production solutions.
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