November 25, 2024 [Edmonton Metropolitan Region]— Today, in recognition of the significant role that hydrogen will play in global decarbonization, Edmonton Global and Ulsan Free Economic Zone (UFEZ) announced a new memorandum of understanding (MOU). This agreement will foster economic collaboration, innovation, and mutual development in clean energy between Ulsan, South Korea, and the Edmonton Region.
UFEZ and Edmonton Global agreed to collaboratively promote the advancement of their respective hydrogen value chains, particularly in decarbonization technologies within the transportation sector. By working together, the regions aim to advance research, development, and commercialization of hydrogen technologies and increase trade between the two regions.
This MOU provides a framework for sharing best practices and knowledge to strengthen economic ties and accelerate the adoption of hydrogen technologies. Areas of collaboration include international hydrogen projects, initiatives, and advocacy efforts to strengthen the global hydrogen economy and address common challenges. Together, they will explore opportunities to increase trade and investment between the Edmonton Region and Ulsan and facilitate participation in conferences, trade shows and workshops within each region.
This agreement highlights the importance of the role hydrogen will play within future energy systems and will position both the Edmonton Region and Ulsan as leaders in hydrogen adoption, setting a model for other regions to follow.
“This partnership marks the coming together of two of the world’s leading hydrogen ecosystems to drive forward the hydrogen opportunities in our respective regions. The Edmonton Region has been a leader in hydrogen production for decades — we produce over 60% of Canada’s hydrogen. Through the 5,000 Hydrogen Vehicle Challenge, we’re decarbonizing one of Western Canada’s busiest transportation corridors and rapidly expanding refueling infrastructure in our Region.
This partnership allows us to share our innovations in technology while learning from Ulsan’s expertise as a leading hydrogen hub, and we look forward to collaborating with UFEZ to rapidly accelerate this sector.”
—Malcolm Bruce, CEO, Edmonton Global
“This agreement represents a pivotal step in enhancing cooperation between the Edmonton Metropolitan region and Ulsan. We are eager to establish meaningful partnerships in hydrogen application and end use, facilitate technology transfer and knowledge exchange, and explore opportunities to boost trade and investment. Together, we aim to advance the hydrogen economy through joint initiatives, and global advocacy efforts.”
— Kyungsik Lee, Commissioner of Ulsan Free Economic Zone Authority
The Ulsan Free Economic Zone is a key industrial hub in South Korea, specialized in automotive, shipbuilding, petrochemicals, and emerging green industries. The zone offers strategic advantages for international businesses seeking to establish operations in Ulsan.
The purpose of Edmonton Global is to radically transform and grow the economy of the Edmonton Metropolitan Region. We are a not-for-profit corporation founded by 14 municipalities that make up the Edmonton Metropolitan Region. Our focus is attracting foreign investment, helping Regional businesses export with the world, enhancing our Region’s global competitiveness, and bringing our Region together with a unified voice to attract the attention and interest of investors the world over. Edmonton Global is one of the partners in the Edmonton Region Hydrogen Hub.
Sherri Bouslama
Manager, Brand Strategy & Communications
780.996.1524
sbouslama@edmontonglobal.ca
