Hyundai Motor Group has announced a major new collaboration with Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore to develop advanced energy technologies, with a focus on hydrogen energy. The partnership was formalised at the Singapore-Korea Business Forum, held on 8 October at the Ritz Carlton Singapore. It marks a significant step towards achieving carbon neutrality, with the two institutions set to undertake a three-year joint research programme.
The agreement between Hyundai and NTU is aimed at exploring alternative energy solutions tailored to the specific needs of Singapore, a densely populated urban nation. This collaboration brings together Hyundai’s cutting-edge energy expertise with NTU’s world-class research capabilities, particularly in sustainable technologies.
Hyun Sung Park, Vice President and CEO of the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore (HMGICS) highlighted the importance of the partnership in accelerating innovation. “HMGICS is a global hub for Hyundai Motor Group’s future mobility innovation. Through this partnership, we aim to accelerate our research in innovative technologies, ultimately enhancing the commercial viability of our sustainable mobility solutions,” he said.
One of the key areas of focus for the joint research will be on the adoption of hydrogen energy systems. Hyundai’s resource-cycle hydrogen production technologies will play a central role. The research will explore both Plastic-to-Hydrogen (P2H) and Waste-to-Hydrogen (W2H) technologies, which convert non-recyclable plastic and organic waste respectively into hydrogen. The W2H system, for instance, is designed to transform food and sewage waste into usable hydrogen fuel. These technologies are being investigated as viable ways to reduce waste and lower greenhouse gas emissions, particularly within an urban context like Singapore’s.
In addition to hydrogen, the partnership will explore advanced energy systems suitable for urban deployment. Hyundai and NTU aim to develop modular energy solutions that are both safe and easy to install, thus supporting Singapore’s broader drive towards carbon neutrality.
The collaboration was further strengthened with a separate signing ceremony involving Hyundai, NTU, and the Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR). The three entities will work together to establish a Corporate Lab Program, which will focus on innovative manufacturing research in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and 3D printing. The lab will aim to foster research and development that could lead to more sustainable production processes and energy solutions.
Professor Lam Khin Yong, NTU’s Vice President for Industry, described the research partnerships as vital in addressing global challenges like climate change. “The research partnerships between NTU Singapore and Hyundai Motor Group reflect how close collaboration with industry is vital in developing innovative and relevant solutions to address real-world issues, including the race to carbon neutrality,” he stated.
NTU has long been at the forefront of research into sustainable energy and advanced manufacturing, and this latest agreement builds on a long-standing relationship with Hyundai Motor Group. Together, they aim to leverage their collective strengths to develop sustainable energy technologies that can be applied in Singapore and beyond.
The partnership underscores Hyundai’s broader commitment to sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint, while NTU’s involvement provides a foundation for significant advances in the fields of hydrogen energy, AI, and robotics. As the world grapples with the urgent need to transition to renewable energy, this collaboration could play a critical role in shaping the future of energy systems in urban settings. For more information, please visit: http://www.hyundaimotorgroup.com