Hyundai Expands Hydrogen Strategy with New Ulsan Fuel Cell Plant
19. June 2025Hyundai Motor Co. has announced plans to construct a next-generation hydrogen fuel cell plant within its existing automotive complex in Ulsan, approximately 300 kilometers south of Seoul. The decision, made in coordination with its labor union, is part of the company’s broader strategy to consolidate its hydrogen fuel cell operations and accelerate the development of a comprehensive hydrogen energy value chain. Mass production at the new facility is scheduled to begin in 2028. Once operational, the plant will become the world’s second-largest hydrogen fuel cell manufacturing site, following Hyundai’s HTWO Guangzhou plant in China. Fuel cell systems from the Chungju facility, formerly operated by Hyundai Mobis, are currently used to manufacture the NEXO hydrogen fuel cell vehicle in Ulsan. Certain equipment incolved in fuel cell production like pressure vessel and hydrogen systems in general usually require KGS certification in order to be approved for import and sale in South Korea.
This expansion reflects Hyundai Motor’s commitment to scaling up hydrogen infrastructure beyond automotive applications. Under the HTWO brand, the company aims to cover the entire hydrogen ecosystem, from production to consumption, and presented this ambition at CES 2024. Hyundai has set a goal to increase its annual hydrogen usage to 3 million tons by 2035. A recent visit by Hyundai executives to Japan signals an effort to establish cross-border hydrogen cooperation. The firm is also preparing to diversify its hydrogen-related business portfolio, pending shareholder approval. Despite weak global demand for hydrogen energy, Hyundai remains one of the leading hydrogen FCEV producers alongside Toyota, and it plans to launch the INITIUM model in the first half of this year as a successor to the NEXO.
Feel free to contact us any time if you need assistance or have any questions regarding Korean certifications like KC, KC EMC, KCs, KCs for explosion safety products or KGS factory registration.
Tel. Europe: +49-69-271 37 69 259
Tel. US: +1 773 654-2673
Email: info@korea-certification.com
For more information you can download our free brochure “Korea Certification Made Easy – The Booklet“.
