Forms consortium with Hyundai Motor, Hanwha Global and others

Solar panels, wind turbines, a water electrolysis plant, hydrogen storage facilities and an export terminal. [Hyundai Engineering & Construction]
Solar panels, wind turbines, a water electrolysis plant, hydrogen storage facilities and an export terminal. [Hyundai Engineering & Construction]

Hyundai Engineering & Construction announced Friday it will participate in a government-funded research project to develop design technology for large-scale water electrolysis plants with a capacity of 100 MW or more, led by the Ministry of Climate and Environment.

As maximizing renewable energy use, standardizing large-scale plants and optimizing systems have emerged as key themes in the water electrolysis plant market — which splits water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity — Hyundai E&C plans to use the project to build integrated capabilities for large-scale renewable-linked hydrogen production systems and strengthen its ability to respond to market shifts.

The project, titled "Development of Design Technology for Large-Scale Water Electrolysis Plants of 100 MW or More," aims to secure a comprehensive design package for water electrolysis plants targeting the large-scale hydrogen production market. It seeks to develop an integrated solution covering system and core process design through to operational configuration, and to bring it to a level ready for demonstration and commercialization.

Hyundai E&C will lead the project as the principal organization, working in a consortium with Hyundai Engineering, Hyundai Motor, Hanwha Global, Korea Midland Power, Mirae Standard Research Institute, Seoul National University and Korea University. Hyundai E&C will be responsible for developing the basic design package and conducting economic feasibility assessments. The project will also apply AI and dynamic simulation models to address output volatility from renewable energy sources while improving the stability and reliability of plant operation.

Hyundai E&C previously carried out a hydrogen production base construction project in Buan, North Jeolla Province — the first commercially operated green hydrogen production facility based on water electrolysis to be completed in South Korea. The company has also been developing a 5 MW plant-type proton exchange membrane water electrolysis system in Jeju, steadily accumulating technical expertise and experience in the water electrolysis sector.

"The results gained through research and development will become a core asset in strengthening our competitiveness for winning water electrolysis projects at home and abroad," a Hyundai E&C official said. "The HMG Construction Technology Research Institute, which is carrying out this project, will consolidate the key technological capabilities of Hyundai Motor Group across hydrogen production, storage and transport, and utilization, to build a Korean-style green hydrogen platform while cementing a leading position in the next-generation water electrolysis hydrogen business."

Meanwhile, the HMG Construction Technology Research Institute — the integrated R&D organization of Hyundai E&C and Hyundai Engineering — is focusing on generating R&D synergies across four core areas to secure future growth engines: energy, future residential, smart construction and infrastructure. The institute is also accelerating research in future energy fields — including small modular reactors, sustainable aviation fuel, offshore wind and biogas alongside hydrogen — as it moves to establish itself as a global energy company.


hss@heraldcorp.com