Hyundai Motor Company has formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Korea Automotive Technology Institute (KATECH), Air Products Qudra (APQ), and the Saudi Public Transport Company (SAPTCO) to establish and cultivate a comprehensive hydrogen-based mobility ecosystem within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
This strategic alliance sets the stage for collaborative efforts to bolster the hydrogen-based mobility landscape in Saudi Arabia while offering support in terms of technological services and human resources. The key areas of cooperation include advancing demonstration projects involving hydrogen fuel cell commercial vehicles and exploring opportunities for joint research in the realm of hydrogen-based mobility.
Under this partnership, Hyundai Motor is poised to supply SAPTCO with hydrogen fuel cell commercial vehicles, leveraging their established expertise in the hydrogen fuel cell industry, with a track record of field-proven products and services deployed globally.
Commenting on this collaboration, Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, emphasized the significance of this partnership in realizing a sustainable hydrogen value chain in Saudi Arabia. He also underlined Hyundai’s commitment to expanding the hydrogen-based mobility sector in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s aspiration to achieve net-zero emissions.
KATECH is set to explore avenues for further research and development collaboration, while APQ will play a pivotal role in securing a hydrogen supply within Saudi Arabia. SAPTCO, on the other hand, will work closely with all stakeholders to formulate a long-term strategy aimed at expanding the hydrogen-based mobility ecosystem in the country.
Speaking about the collaboration, Seung-sik Na, President of KATECH, highlighted the potential for introducing hydrogen bus technology to the Middle East market. The intention is to develop hydrogen buses suitable for high-temperature climates and contribute to the global expansion of the domestic automotive industry.
Saudi Arabia initiated its “Saudi Vision 2030” strategy in 2016, with the goal of transitioning away from a reliance on oil exports and diversifying the economy through strategic investments in key sectors. As part of this strategy, the “Saudi Green Initiative” was unveiled in 2021, showcasing the nation’s commitment to explore cutting-edge technologies and innovations to reach a net-zero carbon emissions target by 2060.
The Hyundai Motor Group has been actively at the forefront of the energy transition in Saudi Arabia, starting with the successful export of two ELEC CITY Fuel Cell buses to the country in 2020. In 2021, the Group expanded its presence by exporting the XCIENT Fuel Cell heavy-duty truck to Saudi Arabia.
