Hyundai Motor Company held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new hydrogen fuel cell production facility in Ulsan, South Korea, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to position the country as a global leader in the energy transition, according to the press release.
The event was attended by key government and industry figures, including Jaehoon Chang, Vice Chair of Hyundai Motor Group; Sungwhan Kim, Minister of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment; Shinhak Moon, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources; Ulsan Mayor Doo-gyeom Kim; and several National Assembly members. Their presence highlighted hydrogen’s importance as a national strategic industry and underscored the strength of public-private collaboration.
International hydrogen leaders were also present, including Ivana Jemelkova, CEO of the Hydrogen Council—a global CEO-led initiative accelerating the clean energy transition. Jemelkova attended Korea as part of the 2025 APEC CEO Summit in Gyeongju.
“This plant embodies Hyundai Motor Group’s strategic commitment to advancing the hydrogen society transition,” Vice Chair Chang said. “It will serve as a critical foundation for driving national economic growth and establishing Korea’s leadership in the global hydrogen industry.”
The 43,000-square-meter facility, built on the site of a former internal combustion engine transmission plant, symbolizes Hyundai Motor’s pivot toward future mobility. Scheduled for completion in 2027, it will integrate chemical processing and assembly operations with an annual production capacity of 30,000 fuel cell units under Hyundai Motor Group’s HTWO brand, which stands for ‘Hydrogen for Humanity.’
The plant represents an investment of KRW 930 billion and will produce next-generation hydrogen fuel cells and electrolyzers for a range of mobility applications, including passenger vehicles, commercial trucks and buses, construction equipment, and marine vessels.
Advancing Core Technologies
The facility aims to strengthen Hyundai Motor’s leadership in hydrogen technology through two key products:
Next-generation hydrogen fuel cells: Designed for higher power output, improved durability, and global market competitiveness.
PEM electrolyzers: The first high-efficiency polymer electrolyte membrane electrolyzers produced in Korea.
