Hyundai lays foundation stone for new fuel cell factory
Hyundai announced that the new plant in Ulsan will cover 43,000 square metres on the site of a former internal combustion engine and transmission factory. From 2027, the facility will have an annual production capacity of 30,000 fuel cell systems and PEM electrolysers for various mobility applications, including passenger cars, commercial vehicles and buses, construction machinery and ships. With production set to begin in 2027, it is clear that the second-generation Hyundai Nexo, introduced earlier this year, will still use other fuel cell systems.
Hyundai plans to invest 930 billion won – currently around 560 million euros – in the conversion. The facility will produce not only the fuel cell systems for the applications mentioned, but also PEM electrolysers for hydrogen production. The plant will officially be operated by HTWO, the Hyundai Motor Group’s hydrogen brand.
The fuel cell systems produced there will not be limited to Hyundai Group products. During the groundbreaking ceremony, Hyundai signed a memorandum of understanding with KGM Commercial. The South Korean bus manufacturer plans to use HTWO fuel cells in its future vehicles.
Hyundai first announced the conversion project in Ulsan in March, at which time production was scheduled to start in 2028. Now the launch is planned a year earlier and will feature “advanced core technology”. Compared to the current models produced at Hyundai’s fuel cell plant in China, the new systems will improve “both power output and durability compared to current models while achieving price competitiveness to lead the global market.”
For the first time, Hyundai will also produce PEM electrolysers in South Korea. “Drawing on nearly three decades of fuel cell development expertise, the company has achieved approximately 90 per cent localisation of electrolyser components,” the statement said.
In February, Hyundai completed a containerised 1 MW electrolyser system, which is currently in demonstration operation and reportedly produces over 300 kilograms of high-purity hydrogen per day. A large-scale 5 MW project is also planned on Jeju Island, South Korea, which aims to establish a complete hydrogen ecosystem – including Hyundai fuel cell buses.
The hydrogen industry in South Korea has received political support for years, as the country seeks to position itself as a global leader in the energy transition. Senior government officials joined numerous Hyundai representatives at the groundbreaking ceremony in Ulsan.
“This plant embodies Hyundai Motor Group’s strategic commitment to advancing the hydrogen society transition,” Vice Chair Chang said in his opening remarks. “It will serve as a critical foundation for securing national economic growth momentum and establishing Korea’s leadership in the global hydrogen industry.”
This article was first published by Sebastian Schaal for electrive’s German edition.
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