Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co. (Hyundai E&C) has embarked on a venture to construct South Korea’s first hydrogen production plant utilizing water electrolysis.
This project, backed by government support, represents a significant stride towards clean energy and carbon neutrality. The plant, located in Buan County, North Jeolla Province, is set to be operational by May 2025.
Hyundai E&C’s new plant will be within Buan County’s renewable energy production complex. The facility aims to produce at least 1 ton of hydrogen per day using 2.5 megawatts of electricity. This production capacity marks a notable advancement in South Korea’s clean energy landscape, providing a sustainable source of hydrogen to the region’s research labs and hydrogen charging stations.
The core technology behind this plant is water electrolysis, a process that uses electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. This method is considered sustainable for producing carbon-neutral hydrogen, particularly when the electricity comes from renewable or nuclear sources. Hyundai E&C’s plant will employ a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) system designed to produce hydrogen with a purity of 99.999%. The plant will also feature advanced safety systems to ensure smooth operations, even during emergencies.
This ambitious project involves several key partners. Hyundai E&C has been working with the governments of North Jeolla Province and Buan, the state-run Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), Jeonbuk Techno Park, water treatment firm Techross Water & Energy Inc., and Techross Environmental Services Inc. since 2022. The collaborative nature of this project underscores the unified commitment to advancing South Korea’s hydrogen economy.
An official from Hyundai E&C emphasized the company’s commitment to becoming a leader in the hydrogen plant market. “We are strengthening our capability to be a leader of the hydrogen plant market as we believe the chemical element, a key energy source for carbon neutrality, will drive the future energy industry,” said the official.
To achieve this vision, Hyundai E&C proactively hires research and development experts and modernizes research facilities for hydrogen, biogas, and small modular nuclear reactor industries. These investments are crucial for driving the global clean energy transition and positioning Hyundai E&C at the forefront of the industry.
Beyond the Buan project, Hyundai E&C is also engaged in the front-end engineering and design (FEED) of a hydrogen plant in Boryeong, South Chungcheong Province, and the conceptual design of a 12.5-megawatt hydrogen production facility on Jeju Island. These projects reflect Hyundai E&C’s broader strategy to expand its footprint in the hydrogen sector and contribute to South Korea’s clean energy goals.
