Hyundai is preparing to construct its first hydrogen fuel cell systems plant in South Korea, with labor unions stating that it will open in 2028. Current, Hyundai runs a hydrogen fuel cell systems plant in China, making it the second hydrogen fuel cell plant for the automaker worldwide should this new facility be built.
In this case, construction is expected to start later this year on the other side of these factories, at Hyundai's main automotive production plant in Ulsan, which is situated about 305 kilometers southeast of Seoul, according to the union and Yonhap news agency.
One of its spokespersons said that the union bargaining would be in consideration for this plan, adding few further details. Upon commissioning, hydrogen fuel cell systems from the new facility will likely go to Nexo hydrogen fuel cell EVs, hydrogen Elec City buses, and hydrogen trucks. Hyundai estimates that the new plant is capable of producing hydrogen equipment, to supply 6,500 hydrogen commercial vehicles, which started production in Guangzhou in 2023.
Meanwhile, the South Korean government will inject 129.3 billion won ($88.6 million) this year in support of projects aimed at advancing technologies helping the country achieve carbon neutrality and maintain a stable energy supply.
Such initiatives cover the development of renewable energy technologies such as next-generation solar and hydrogen power, as well as improving nuclear plant efficiency in the broader context of South Korea's goals for net-zero carbon. South Korea has promised to cut greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent from 2018 levels by 2030 and aims to be carbon-neutral by 2050.