Hyundai partners with Ineos to boost hydrogen development

By Matt de Prez

23 November 2020

Hyundai is planning to develop new ways to boost the growth in hydrogen technology, through a new partnership with chemicals group Ineos.

As part of the agreement, Ineos will have the option to use a Hyundai fuel cell system in its debut vehicle, the Grenadier.

Both companies will explore new opportunities to accelerate the global hydrogen economy, which could include Ineos supplying hydrogen to the Korean carmaker.

Initially, the firms will seek to facilitate public and private sector projects focused on the development of a hydrogen value chain in Europe.

Peter Williams technology director Ineos, said, “The agreement between Ineos and Hyundai presents both companies with new opportunities to extend a leading role in the clean hydrogen economy. Evaluating new production processes, technology and applications, combined with our existing capabilities puts us in a unique position to meet emerging demand for affordable, low-carbon energy sources and the needs of demanding 4x4 owners in the future.”

Ineos recently launched a new business to develop and build clean hydrogen capacity across Europe in support of the drive towards a zero-carbon future. The company currently produces 300,000 tons of hydrogen a year mainly as a by-product from its chemical manufacturing operations.

Hyundai’s proprietary modular fuel cell system has already proven reliable and effective in the Hyundai Nexo SUV, the world’s first dedicated hydrogen-powered SUV. It has the longest driving range among hydrogen-powered vehicles in the market.

"Ineos’ move into the development of a fuel cell electric vehicle and hydrogen ecosystem marks yet another milestone towards sustainable and clean transportation,” said Saehoon Kim, senior vice president and head of Fuel Cell Center at Hyundai Motor Company. “Hyundai believes this will provide an important low-carbon option across a wide range of sectors. We also hope our decades-long expertise in hydrogen fuel cell work in synergy with INEOS’ expertise in field of chemistry to realize the mass production of green hydrogen and fuel cells for the Grenadier.”