Incheon International Airport Sets Global Precedent with World’s First Liquefied Hydrogen Mobility Hub

Essential infrastructure for hydrogen-powered buses and commercial vehicles, strengthening public-private cooperation for the hydrogen economy

? Capable of charging up to 240 large hydrogen buses per day—optimized for long-distance routes

? Stable supply ensured by linking with Incheon’s liquefied hydrogen production plant, with a daily production capacity of 90 tons

Incheon International Airport has become the world’s first airport to house a comprehensive Hydrogen Mobility Hub, including a liquefied hydrogen refueling station. Developed through a public-private partnership, this innovative facility is a key driver in converting airport buses and commercial vehicles to hydrogen, acting as a strategic steppingstone for expanding Korea’s hydrogen economy.

Hyverse, an SK Innovation E&S subsidiary, held a commemorative ceremony on January 29 (Korea local time) to celebrate the completion of the Incheon Airport Hydrogen Mobility Hub in Unseo-dong, Incheon. The opening ceremony was attended by key representatives from Incheon City, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Incheon International Airport Corporation, Korea Gas Technology Corporation, and SK Innovation E&S.

The project involved a total investment of KRW 14.3 billion, funded by KRW 7 billion from the Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, KRW 3 billion from Incheon City, and KRW 4.3 billion from Hyverse. Hyverse currently operates 21 liquefied hydrogen refueling stations across Korea. The event marked the start of a new era for airport transportation, focusing on the transition to hydrogen-powered mobility and exploring ways to expand hydrogen adoption through collaboration.

The Hydrogen Mobility Hub is located within the parking area of Terminal 2 at Incheon Airport, covering 2,771 square meters. Its liquefied hydrogen refueling station can charge up to 320 kg per hour, supporting up to 240 large hydrogen buses per day—ideal for long-distance airport routes.

The new hub was designed to meet the unique needs of airport transportation, where shuttle and limousine buses connect travelers nationwide. According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, approximately 172,000 vehicles travel to and from Incheon Airport daily.

The average daily mileage of airport buses is 548 kilometers, more than twice that of city buses (229 kilometers), making the transition to hydrogen buses particularly effective in reducing carbon emissions. A single hydrogen bus can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 56 tons per year, which is equivalent to planting approximately 8,000 mature pine trees. In addition, hydrogen buses can be fully refueled in under 30 minutes—significantly faster than electric buses—and offer a driving range of over 600 kilometers. These features make hydrogen buses especially suitable for airport routes that require long-distance operation.

As Korea’s main gateway, Incheon Airport’s transition to hydrogen buses presents a positive and eco-friendly first impression to international travelers. More than half of the airport’s 68 shuttle buses—36 units—are already hydrogen-powered, with further deployments planned this year. Limousine buses serving Seoul and Gyeonggi Province are also preparing to adopt hydrogen technology following the hub’s opening.

The hydrogen mobility hub is linked to the liquefied hydrogen production plant in Seo-gu, Incheon, ensuring a stable supply. IGE, another SK Innovation E&S subsidiary, completed its liquefied hydrogen plant in May 2024, establishing a robust system for production, supply, and transportation. With a daily production capacity of 90 tons, or about 30,000 tons annually, it is the largest facility of its kind globally.

Jeon Youngjun, Head of New Energy Business at SK Innovation E&S, said:

The Incheon Airport Hydrogen Mobility Hub will serve as a reliable fueling center for hydrogen buses nationwide,

“By connecting with the Incheon Liquefied Hydrogen Plant, we are dedicated to providing a competitive and stable hydrogen supply infrastructure.”

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Incheon International Airport Sets Global Precedent with World’s First Liquefied Hydrogen Mobility Hub, source