The Korea Automobile Research Institute (KARI) and Bumhan Fuel Cell have signed a business agreement to collaborate on liquid hydrogen-based hydrogen mobility technology. The two organizations plan to expand the relevant industrial base through collaboration on full-cycle technology development and demonstrations, from liquid hydrogen storage to utilization.

The Korea Automobile Research Institute (KARI) announced on the 11th that it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Bumhan Fuel Cell for the "Development and Demonstration of Full-cycle Technology Utilizing Liquefied Hydrogen" at the KARI headquarters in Pungse-myeon, Cheonan-si, Chungcheongnam-do on the 10th. The signing ceremony was attended by approximately 20 officials from both organizations, including KARI President Jin Jong-wook and Bumhan Fuel Cell CEO Hwang Jeong-tae.

This agreement aims to secure liquefied hydrogen technology, enabling large-scale storage and transportation of hydrogen in the process of achieving carbon neutrality. Liquefied hydrogen is a form of gaseous hydrogen cooled to -253°C, reducing its volume by approximately 1/800th, which allows for increased storage and transportation efficiency.

According to the agreement, the two organizations will advance the storage, charging, and utilization technologies for liquid hydrogen and jointly promote the verification and commercialization of related technologies. In addition, they agreed to cooperate in expanding hydrogen industry applications, including those for the civilian and military sectors, establishing liquid hydrogen infrastructure and supporting testing, evaluation, and demonstration, establishing domestic and international networks, and planning and discovering joint research projects.

Director Jin Jong-wook explained that hydrogen is attracting attention as an eco-friendly energy source, and that liquefied hydrogen technology, in particular, can contribute to increasing energy self-sufficiency and diversifying the supply chain. He stated that both organizations will leverage their technological capabilities to secure competitiveness in the full-cycle liquefied hydrogen technology and expand the market.