Hyosung Heavy Industries announced on the 21st that it successfully achieved 1,400 hours of continuous operation of its 1-megawatt (㎿) hydrogen engine generator, the world's first commercialized unit, during the winter season.
The hydrogen engine generator, which can produce electricity using only hydrogen, does not emit carbon, enabling a reduction of 7,000 tons (t) of carbon dioxide annually compared to coal-fueled generation. Its capability to freely start and stop generation is expected to complement the volatility associated with renewable energy. After passing safety inspections by the Korea Gas Safety Corporation and the Korean Electric Safety Corporation, it has been in operation at the Ulsan Hyosung Chemical's hot rolling plant since April of last year.
Hyosung Heavy Industries announced plans to strengthen competitiveness and seek business expansion in the hydrogen generation sector after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Korea South-East Power in December of last year for the joint promotion of hydrogen engine generation.
The two companies agreed to jointly promote hydrogen generation projects utilizing hydrogen and hydrogen compound combustion engines, as well as demonstration projects for clean hydrogen production and utilization, and other projects and technological cooperation related to clean hydrogen and hydrogen compounds.