Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co. (Hyundai E&C) has commenced construction on South Korea’s first hydrogen production plant utilizing water electrolysis. This initiative is part of a government-backed clean energy project aimed at advancing sustainable energy sources, the company announced on Thursday.
The hydrogen plant, situated in the renewable energy production complex of Buan County, North Jeolla Province, is expected to be completed by the end of this year and operational by May 2025. Designed to produce at least one ton of hydrogen daily using 2.5 megawatts of electricity, the plant will play a pivotal role in providing clean energy to Buan’s research laboratories and hydrogen charging stations.
Electrolysis, a process that uses electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, is considered a sustainable and carbon-neutral method of hydrogen production. This approach aligns with South Korea’s goals for carbon neutrality and the broader global clean energy transition.
“We are strengthening our capability to be a leader in the hydrogen plant market as we believe the chemical element, a key energy source for carbon neutrality, will drive the future energy industry,” said a Hyundai E&C official. The company plans to invest proactively in research and development, focusing on hydrogen, biogas, and small modular nuclear reactor industries.
Since 2022, Hyundai E&C has collaborated with the governments of North Jeolla Province and Buan, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), Jeonbuk Techno Park, Techross Water & Energy Inc., and Techross Environmental Services Inc. The plant, designed last December, will employ polymer electrolyte membrane technology to produce 99.999% pure hydrogen, ensuring a safe and efficient operation.
In addition to the Buan facility, Hyundai E&C has been involved in the front-end engineering and design (FEED) of another hydrogen plant in Boryeong, South Chungcheong Province, and the conceptual design of a 12.5 megawatt hydrogen production facility on Jeju Island.
This groundbreaking project underscores Hyundai E&C’s commitment to leading the hydrogen energy sector and supporting South Korea’s ambitious clean energy goals.
