SEOUL, October 30 (AJP) - Hyundai Motor has begun construction of a large-scale hydrogen fuel cell plant in Ulsan, signaling its ambition to lead the global shift toward clean energy.
The groundbreaking ceremony took place at Hyundai’s Ulsan complex, where the new facility will rise on the site of a former internal combustion engine transmission plant. The transformation, company officials said, reflects Hyundai’s commitment to making Ulsan a center for next-generation automotive technologies.
The three-story plant, covering 95,374 square meters, will serve as Hyundai’s first domestic production base for polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolysis and hydrogen fuel cells. Once completed in 2027, it will produce up to 30,000 fuel cell systems annually under Hyundai’s hydrogen car brand.
Hyundai is investing 930 billion won ($670 million) in the project and plans to expand output. Company officials say the facility will play a crucial role in building South Korea’s hydrogen economy and supporting the nation’s broader industrial transition.
“The hydrogen fuel cell plant is a strategic base that reflects our commitment to a hydrogen society,” said Jang Jae-hoon, Hyundai’s vice chairman, during the ceremony. “We aim to supply fuel cells across diverse industries, from shipping to construction equipment, and to accelerate the development of a global hydrogen ecosystem.”
Government officials also underscored their support for corporate investment in clean energy. Kim Sung-hwan, South Korea’s minister of climate and environment, said the administration would continue to back innovation in decarbonizing mobility and advancing hydrogen technologies.
Hyundai Motor plans to make the new plant a showcase of advanced manufacturing, integrating artificial intelligence and robotics to boost efficiency and safety. A digital monitoring system will be installed to detect hazards in real time and protect workers on the production floor.
* This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP.
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