[Hyundai Car. Photo Credits to Pixabay]

Hyundai has introduced a groundbreaking method to convert plastic waste into hydrogen fuel that could potentially revolutionize the automotive and recycling industries.

The company’s HTWO Grid initiative represents a significant advancement in global environmental waste prevention.

The South Korean automaker has already invested $336 million in developing a plant that produces hydrogen fuel from waste through the process of electrolysis, which relies on renewable energy sources.

Notably, the process does not emit harmful greenhouse gasses during combustion or production, making it an eco-friendly alternative.

This project represents a major leap forward in Hyundai’s commitment to environmentally friendly technologies and sustainable growth.

The waste-to-hydrogen process not only tackles plastic waste but also greatly reduces methane emissions, a harmful greenhouse gas.

The process converts organic waste, such as food waste, sewage sludge, and livestock manure, into hydrogen fuel.

This waste is broken down using microorganisms in a process called anaerobic digestion, which produces biogas.

The biogas is then upgraded to biomethane, which is ultimately reformed into hydrogen gas.

Another aspect of the initiative is the plastic-to-hydrogen (P2H) process.

Non-recycled plastic waste can now be used to produce hydrogen.

Hyundai Engineering’s unique melting process turns the plastic into a liquid state, which is then turned into a gas, and finally refined into hydrogen.

Utilizing 130,000 tons of plastic waste per year, this method can produce 24,000 tons of hydrogen in an environmentally friendly way.

In addition to these initiatives, Hyundai is exploring the use of hydrogen in various fields such as public transportation.

The company’s hydrogen fuel cell trams serve as a cleaner option in urban environments, contributing to improved air quality.

These trams combine hydrogen fuel cells with electric batteries.

Each tram features four 95 kW capacity hydrogen fuel cells, enabling a maximum range of 150 km after a single charge.

By transporting a large number of passengers, these trams reduce carbon emissions associated with combustion engine-powered mobility.

Furthermore, Hyundai Steel is actively working toward carbon neutrality in response to the global demand for a carbon-neutral era.

The Green Steel initiative aims to minimize carbon emissions throughout the steel manufacturing process.

This involves transitioning from blast furnaces to electric furnaces, powered by hydrogen and renewable energy instead of traditional coal.

Hyundai Motor Group’s XCIENT Fuel Cell, the world’s first mass-produced heavy-duty hydrogen fuel cell electric truck, has gained traction in both Europe and the United States.

The XCIENT Fuel Cell features a 180 kW hydrogen fuel cell system, providing a maximum output of 350 kW of power.

Through these innovative ideas, Hyundai is leading the charge toward sustainable transportation and energy production.

These efforts create a new standard for eco-friendly transportation and innovation.

As the company continues to invest in hydrogen technologies, it sets a powerful example for industries worldwide.