Synopsis
Hyundai Motor is planning to build its first hydrogen fuel cell systems plant in South Korea, aiming for operations to begin in 2028. This facility will be the company's second globally, following its existing plant in China.Key Takeaways
- Hyundai Motor plans to establish a hydrogen fuel cell plant in South Korea.
- The facility aims for operations to begin in 2028.
- This will be Hyundai's second hydrogen fuel cell plant globally.
- The Ulsan location is key to the company's manufacturing strategy.
- Government funding supports carbon neutrality initiatives.
Seoul, March 11 (NationPress) Hyundai Motor is set to construct its inaugural hydrogen fuel cell systems plant in South Korea, aiming for operational commencement in 2028, as reported by the company’s labor union on Tuesday.
Currently, Hyundai operates a hydrogen fuel cell systems facility in China. If realized, this domestic site will represent the automaker's second such plant worldwide.
According to the union's website and reports from Yonhap news agency, construction is slated to kick off within the year at Hyundai's primary car manufacturing hub located in Ulsan, approximately 305 kilometers southeast of Seoul.
A company spokesperson noted, “To advance the plan, there will be necessary discussions between the company and the union,” without providing further details.
Once confirmed, the hydrogen fuel cell systems produced at this new facility could potentially serve the Nexo hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (EV), the hydrogen-powered Elec City bus, and various hydrogen trucks.
The initial plant in Guangzhou commenced operations in 2023 and has the capacity to manufacture hydrogen fuel cell systems for 6,500 hydrogen commercial vehicles.
Additionally, the government plans to allocate 129.3 billion won ($88.6 million) this year to support initiatives focused on developing technologies that will facilitate carbon neutrality and ensure a reliable energy supply.
These initiatives encompass advancements in renewable energy technologies, including next-generation solar and hydrogen power, as well as efficient nuclear power plant operations, all contributing to South Korea's goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions.
South Korea has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent from 2018 levels by 2030 and aims for carbon neutrality by 2050.
Part of the funding will also be directed towards enhancing the stability of the nation’s energy supply in light of the rising electricity demand driven by the evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced technologies, alongside the impacts of climate change.
