South Korea has inaugurated the world’s first nationwide hydrogen-powered public bus network, marking a significant milestone in sustainable urban transportation. The initiative represents years of infrastructure development and technological advancement in clean energy vehicles.
The network includes over 2,000 hydrogen fuel cell buses operating across major cities including Seoul, Busan, and Incheon. Supporting infrastructure comprises 300 hydrogen refueling stations strategically located throughout the country, making the system practical for daily operations.
“This achievement demonstrates that hydrogen technology is ready for large-scale commercial application,” stated the Minister of Transportation during the launch ceremony. “We’ve proven that zero-emission public transportation is not just viable but can be implemented at a national level.”
The buses produce only water vapor as exhaust, significantly reducing urban air pollution. Each vehicle can travel approximately 400 kilometers on a single tank and requires only 15 minutes to refuel, comparable to conventional diesel buses.
The government invested substantially in developing domestic hydrogen production capacity using renewable energy sources. This approach ensures the fuel supply remains sustainable while creating new economic opportunities in the clean energy sector.
Transportation officials from numerous countries have visited South Korea to study the system, with several nations expressing interest in adopting similar approaches. The project has become a model for how governments can transition public transportation to zero-emission alternatives.
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