“The new hydrogen fuel cell plant is a strategic hub embodying Hyundai Motor Group's commitment to transitioning to a hydrogen society.”

This statement was made by Jang Jae-hoon, Vice Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, during his welcoming speech at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new hydrogen fuel cell plant within Hyundai Motor's Ulsan plant on the 30th. Hyundai Motor has embarked on establishing a production base for hydrogen fuel cells and water electrolysis (a method of extracting hydrogen by electrolyzing water) to lead the transition to 'eco-friendly energy.'

The new plant, scheduled for completion in 2027, will be constructed as a three-story building with a total area of 95,374㎡ (approximately 30,000 pyeong) to produce next-generation hydrogen fuel cells and electrolyzers. Vice Chairman Jang emphasized, “We will cooperate to secure a growth engine for the national economy and expand the global hydrogen ecosystem by supplying fuel cells to companies in various fields such as ships and construction equipment.”

Notably, the 42,975㎡ site for the new plant, which previously housed an internal combustion engine transmission plant, symbolizes the transition from internal combustion engines to a future-oriented production base centered on eco-friendly vehicles. Hyundai Motor aims to enhance the output and durability of the next-generation hydrogen fuel cells produced at this plant while securing cost competitiveness to lead the global fuel cell market. Hyundai Motor plans to support the achievement of global net-zero by producing not only hydrogen fuel cells but also polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyzers that produce high-purity clean hydrogen from water.

Hyundai Motor is investing KRW 930 billion in the construction of the new plant and plans to actively consider expanding production in line with future market growth. The next-generation hydrogen fuel cells produced here are designed to be applicable in various fields, including commercial trucks and buses, construction equipment, ships, and agricultural machinery. During the event, Hyundai Motor also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with domestic bus manufacturer KGM Commercial for the supply of fuel cells for hydrogen buses.

The event was attended by over 250 key figures and stakeholders, including Vice Chairman Jang, Hyundai Motor CEO and President José Muñoz, President of Domestic Production Lee Dong-seok, Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment Kim Sung-hwan, Ulsan Metropolitan City Mayor Kim Doo-kyum, and National Assembly members Kim Ki-hyun, Park Sung-min, and Yoon Jong-oh.

Particularly, the event was further highlighted by the attendance of Ivana Zmelkova, CEO of the Hydrogen Council, who visited Korea for the 2025 Gyeongju Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Leaders' Event, as well as prominent figures from the domestic and international hydrogen industry, including SK Innovation CEO Choo Hyung-wook, Lotte Group Chemical Division Head Lee Young-joon, and Kolon Industries CEO Heo Sung.

Government officials present expressed their commitment to actively supporting the development of the hydrogen industry in their congratulatory speeches. Minister Kim Sung-hwan stated, “We will actively support corporate innovation efforts to achieve decarbonization of mobility and the transition to eco-friendly energy.”

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