Hyundai Motor Company held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new hydrogen fuel cell plant in Ulsan, South Korea, as the automaker ramps up its efforts to transition to zero-emission vehicles. Fuel Cell Systems act as Onboard energy sources, which generate electricity through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen without emitting harmful gases.
The event was attended by the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, Jaheon Jahang; South Korea’s Clomoya minister, energy and environment, Sungwhan Kim; Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources, Shinhak Month; Several members from all over the country; and a host of global hydrogen industry leaders. The festival was timed to coincide with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea.
The KRW 930 billion (US$650 million) plant, with integrated chemical and assembly operations, is scheduled to be completed in 2027 at the internal combustion engine (ICE) site. It will have the first annual production capacity of next-generation cell units and electrolysers for various transportation applications, including passenger cars, commercial trucks and buses, construction equipment, and marine vessels. They will be sold under the hywo hydogen brand of hywoi.
Jahovaon Chang said in a statement: “This plant combines the strategies of Hyundai Motor Group’s commitment to develop the transformation of the hydrogen Society Transsem.”
With the new facility, HMG said it “aims to position itself at the forefront of hydrogen technology worldwide with two key products.” The next generation system of hydrogen Fuel Cells is expected to provide a result made stronger and stronger compared to current systems, while achieving “price competitiveness to lead the world market.”.
The plant will also produce polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) high-performance electrolysers, the first in South Korea, with a target area content of 90%. Electrolytes produce pure liquid hydrogen without carbon emissions.
HMG has confirmed that it has previously developed an electrolaser stack, and in February completed a 1 mL electrolaser system capable of producing more than 300 kg of pure hydrogen daily. “The current 5 MW-Class Scale project is under development, with the aim of establishing a complete hydrogen ecosystem,” the company added.
