If We Have a Hydrogen Future, Then We Are the Ones Who Write It
POSITIV 3/2021 41
The scope of Asian companies in the
Moravian-Silesian Region is wide, from the
production of cars through the chemical
industry to the production of computers.
It is clear that we have something to offer
across disciplines and we are ready to
support projects that give people a good
job and increase the quality of life.
The most visible example is the arrival of
Hyundai in 2006. This foreign investment
is still one of the largest in the history of
the Czech Republic. The numbers clearly
show how successful the project is: 12,000
employees work in Nošovice and at
subcontractors, the production capacity
is 350,000 cars a year. Last year, the
production of the very fi rst Czech electric
car was started here, of which the carmaker
wants to produce 35,000 a year.
There are more than 20 South Korean
companies operating in the Moravian-
Silesian Region, especially in the fi eld of
automotive. For example, Plakor, Mobis, GS
Caltex, Sejong or Hanwha. Active investors
are also companies from Japan or Taiwan.
For example, the Japanese Shimano,
operating in Karviná since 2001, was one
of the fi rst foreign companies in the local
industrial zone and helped reduce the then
very high unemployment rate. In the fi eld
of electronics production, the Taiwanese
Pegatron operates in Ostrava.
Our region is undergoing a transformation,
we are solving what to do next in a time
without coal. In this context, we increasingly
use the word: HYDROGEN. And not only
in energy and industry, but mainly on the
road, rails and water. I have no doubt that
over time it will return to the air from which
it disappeared a hundred years ago, and
it will most likely not be burned only by
aircraft, but also ‘old-fashioned’ by airships.
We are ready for hydrogen in the Moravian-
Silesian Region. We started fl irting with him
years ago. At a time when many laymen, as
well as experts, laughed at our efforts, we
really began to prepare for the transition
from carbon to hydrogen. Time and trends
proved us right.
Today, we do not have to dream of
hydrogen-powered buses, whose exhausts
drip only with water, but look forward to
their fi rst ride. We do not have to think
about the trains that will run through our
tracks, but choose the supplier. We no
longer have to make plans for hydrogen
fi llers, which will be the basis for passenger
car transport, but think about their capacity.
It is already clear that at least three will grow
in our region.
A new story is being born in the Moravian-
Silesian Region about how the lightest and
simplest gaseous element conquered the
planet. Be a part of it.
Jakub Unucka, The First Deputy Governor
of the Moravian-Silesian Region
for Industry, Energy and the Smart Region
If We Have a Hydrogen Future,
Then We Are the Ones Who Write It