◆ Aim to grow beyond the limitations of exhibition scale and become a representative expo of the global hydrogen economy
◆ Scheduled to take place at KINTEX in Goyang City from September 25 (Wednesday) to September 27 (Friday)
◆ Anticipated to enhance competitiveness by expanding technological promotion and partnership opportunities in the hydrogen industry sector
H2 MEET Organizing Committee (Chairman Kang Nam-hoon) announced that H2 MEET, South Korea’s largest hydrogen exhibition, will merge with the country’s first specialized hydrogen exhibition, ‘H2WORLD’ (Chairman Jang Seong-hyuk), starting this year to enhance global competitiveness.
The two organizing committees signed a ‘Mutual Cooperation Agreement’ on August 9th at the Automobile Pavilion to collaborate towards becoming the world’s leading hydrogen industry exhibition. Consequently, future exhibitions will retain the H2 MEET brand.
H2 MEET is a specialized hydrogen industry exhibition targeting Korean and international companies and institutions in all industry sectors. It has been held annually since its inception in 2020 and has reached its fifth installment this year. Notably, last year’s exhibition saw the largest-ever scale, with 300 companies and institutions from 18 countries participating, attracting around 30,000 visitors over three days, securing its status as the world’s largest hydrogen industry exhibition.
The Hydrogen Knowledge Group launched H2WORLD in November 2018 as Korea’s first specialized hydrogen exhibition. It will be held annually until 2021. Afterward, the Hydrogen Knowledge Group revamped the brand CI and reorganized the organizing committee, launching a renewed exhibition in Suwon in June 2023.
The organizers of both exhibitions agreed to overcome the limitations of scaling Korean-based specialized hydrogen exhibitions and to strengthen global competitiveness, aspiring to leap into the world’s best hydrogen industry exhibition. Considering the rapid growth of hydrogen exhibitions in France, the Netherlands, China, and Japan, they concluded that it is beneficial for the industry to cooperate under a single representative brand rather than compete Koreanally.
Kang Nam-hoon, Chairman of the H2 MEET Organizing Committee, stated, “As hydrogen becomes a key means towards carbon neutrality, global interest in hydrogen exhibitions where one can check hydrogen industry information and technology is increasing. By merging H2 MEET and H2WORLD, we aim to strengthen the role of a business platform for international cooperation in the hydrogen industry and grow into a leading global hydrogen exhibition.”
Jang Seong-hyuk, Chairman of the H2WORLD Organizing Committee, added, “Given the characteristics of the Korean hydrogen industry, where overseas companies are more interested in technology promotion and partnerships rather than direct market entry, there is a clear limit to the growth of Korean-based specialized hydrogen exhibitions. With various hydrogen exhibitions emerging in major countries abroad and global hydrogen competition intensifying, it is time to focus on securing global competitiveness through integrating Korean exhibitions.”
H2 MEET 2024 will be held from September 25th (Wednesday) to September 27th (Friday) at KINTEX (Korea International Exhibition Center) Exhibition Hall 1 in Goyang City. This year, over 300 companies and institutions are expected to participate. The event will facilitate active business exchanges among global hydrogen industry experts and corporate representatives, which is anticipated to yield tangible outcomes while showcasing the potential for growth in South Korea’s hydrogen economy.