The largest international hydrogen exhibition in Korea, H2 MEET 2024, opened on September 25 at KINTEX Exhibition Center 1 in Goyang, Gyeonggi-do.
The H2 MEET Organizing Committee (Chairperson Nam-hoon Kang), composed of the Korea Automobile & Mobility Association (KAMA), H2KOREA, Hydrogen Network (HYNET), Korea Energy Agency, and the Korea Industry Alliance Forum (KIAF), announced that 317 companies and organizations from 24 countries are participating in H2 MEET 2024. The event discusses the development of the hydrogen economy and the importance of global cooperation, providing a vital stepping stone for Korea to become a global hydrogen hub.
H2 MEET 2024 offers a comprehensive view of the hydrogen industry value chain, showcasing the latest technologies and trends in hydrogen production, storage, transportation, and utilization.
Additionally, the event hosts the ‘H2 MEET Conference,’ where global hydrogen industry experts present the latest technological trends and discuss future cooperation. The conference features over 150 speakers, including industry leaders, policymakers, and experts from Korea and abroad.
The event also includes the ‘H2 Innovation Award,’ which aims to discover innovative technologies and leading companies in the hydrogen sector. Ten award-winning companies will present their technologies during the exhibition.
Nam-ho Choi, 2nd Vice Minister of Energy of the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, expressed his sentiments during the opening ceremony: “When H2 MEET first began, I was in charge of the automotive division, so returning to this event this year feels deeply meaningful.”
He continued, “We live in an era of climate crisis. Various energy transitions are discussed at meetings like the IEA (International Energy Agency) and APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation). Still, hydrogen seems to be the one energy source that all countries agree upon. This highlights the universally recognized role and importance of hydrogen.”
Regarding the hydrogen strategies announced by major countries worldwide, Choi noted, “Countries provide various regulatory exemptions and support measures, reflecting a strong policy commitment to rapidly establishing hydrogen ecosystems. Korea is also working collaboratively across the public and private sectors to lead the world in developing a top-tier hydrogen economy.”
He emphasized, “Korea has not only enacted the world’s first hydrogen law but also leads in the deployment of hydrogen vehicles and fuel cells. Building on these achievements, we will focus on generating large-scale hydrogen demand, establishing a clean hydrogen infrastructure system, and fostering a world-leading hydrogen industry. We will actively promote the transition to a clean hydrogen ecosystem.” He added, “In May this year, we launched the world’s first clean hydrogen power generation bidding market, aiming to create large-scale demand for clean hydrogen at competitive prices through greenhouse gas reduction and open competition among businesses.”
Choi also highlighted that the government has prepared various support measures, including tax benefits, for the sector. He stated, “In the transportation sector, we plan to expand the deployment of commercial vehicles such as buses and trucks, which can create large-scale hydrogen demand. We will also build distribution infrastructure like liquefied hydrogen refueling stations without delay. In June this year, Jae-Hoon Chang, CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, was appointed co-chair of the global CEO group’ Hydrogen Council,’ indicating that the private sector is now leading in global hydrogen cooperation.”
He concluded, “I have heard that H2 MEET, a globally representative hydrogen exhibition, has recorded the highest number of attendees this year. I sincerely hope that through this event, innovative products from outstanding companies will gain wide recognition and active technological and policy exchanges will occur.”
With the participation of organizations worldwide, H2 MEET is a specialized hydrogen industry exhibition focusing on hydrogen production, storage/transportation, and utilization. This year’s exhibition expanded global participation, providing a platform for tangible results and enabling attendees to experience Korea’s hydrogen economy ecosystem. The event has integrated with H2WORLD and is being held concurrently with the 2024 K-BATTERY SHOW (Battery Material, Component, and Equipment Exhibition) and HARFKO 2024 (Heating, Air-Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Fluid Exhibition Korea) at KINTEX 1.