Hyundai Motor Company has officially broken ground on a new hydrogen fuel cell and electrolyzer production facility in Ulsan, South Korea, representing a KRW 930 billion ($660 million) investment to accelerate the country’s hydrogen economy and strengthen Hyundai’s global leadership in zero-emission technologies.
Highlights
- KRW 930 billion investment to build a 43,000 m² hydrogen fuel cell plant in Ulsan
- Scheduled for completion in 2027 with annual output of 30,000 fuel cell units
- Facility to produce PEM electrolyzers and next-generation hydrogen fuel cells
- Marks the conversion of a former ICE transmission plant into a clean-energy hub
Strategic Step Toward Hydrogen Leadership
The groundbreaking ceremony, attended by senior Korean government officials and international hydrogen industry leaders, underscores the strategic importance of hydrogen as a national priority.
Jaehoon Chang, Vice Chair of Hyundai Motor Group, stated, “This plant embodies Hyundai Motor Group’s strategic commitment to advancing the hydrogen society transition. It will serve as a critical foundation for securing national economic growth momentum and establishing Korea’s leadership in the global hydrogen industry.”
The Ulsan site, formerly home to an internal combustion engine transmission plant, will serve as a cornerstone of Hyundai’s “HTWO” hydrogen brand — symbolizing Hydrogen for Humanity.
Production and Technology Focus
Set for completion in 2027, the facility will mass-produce 30,000 hydrogen fuel cell systems per year and polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyzers for multiple applications, including passenger cars, commercial trucks, buses, industrial equipment, and marine vessels.
Next-generation fuel cells will deliver higher power output, improved durability, and greater cost competitiveness.
PEM electrolyzers will generate high-purity hydrogen without carbon emissions, supporting green hydrogen production. Hyundai has already achieved 90% localization of electrolyzer components and operates a 1 MW demonstration unit producing 300 kg of hydrogen daily, with a 5 MW system under development in Jeju.
Advanced Manufacturing and Safety Systems
The Ulsan plant will integrate advanced robotics and automated monitoring technologies designed to improve operational efficiency and worker safety. The manufacturing process will combine chemical processing, assembly, and quality assurance under a highly automated, data-driven platform.
Building the Hydrogen Ecosystem
Hyundai Motor is advancing a comprehensive hydrogen ecosystem encompassing production, storage, transport, and utilization. The company continues to expand partnerships with governments, suppliers, and research institutions worldwide to accelerate decarbonization.
At the ceremony, Hyundai also signed an MoU with KGM Commercial for fuel cell supply, reinforcing domestic adoption of hydrogen-powered buses and commercial vehicles.
Demonstrations featured Hyundai’s hydrogen-powered product portfolio, including the NEXO SUV, trucks, excavators, vessels, and forklifts, showcasing the scalability of hydrogen across mobility sectors.
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