Hyundai E&C is stepping up its push into next-generation hydrogen technology, joining a government-backed R&D project aimed at developing design technologies for large-scale water electrolysis plants of 100 MW or more.
The Korean builder announced that it will lead the project, funded by the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, as it seeks to secure core technologies for large-scale hydrogen production linked to renewable energy.
The project comes as the water electrolysis market places growing emphasis on maximizing renewable energy utilization, standardizing large-scale facilities and optimizing plant systems. Hyundai E&C said the initiative will help it build integrated capabilities for large-scale hydrogen production while strengthening its ability to respond to changing market demands.
Dubbed the “Front-End Engineering Design Technology Development for 100MW-Class Overseas Water Electrolysis Plant” project, the initiative aims to develop a comprehensive design package for overseas large-scale hydrogen production facilities.
The project will cover system design, core process design and operational configuration, with the goal of advancing the technology to a level suitable for demonstration and eventual commercialization.
Hyundai E&C will serve as the lead contractor, heading a consortium comprising Hyundai Engineering, Hyundai Motor Company, Hanwha Global, Korea Midland Power, the Future Standards Research Institute, Seoul National University and Korea University.
Under the project, Hyundai E&C will develop the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) package and conduct a feasibility study. The company also plans to deploy artificial intelligence and dynamic simulation models to manage fluctuations in renewable energy generation and improve the stability and reliability of plant operations.
The move builds on Hyundai E&C’s existing hydrogen technology portfolio. The company has accumulated experience through projects including the construction of a hydrogen production facility in Buan, Jeonbuk, and the development of a 5 MW plant-scale PEM water electrolysis system in Jeju.
A Hyundai E&C official stated, “The results achieved through this R&D will serve as a key asset in strengthening our competitiveness in securing future water electrolysis projects in Korea and overseas.”
The official added, “The HMG Construction Technology Research Institute, which is carrying out this project, will consolidate Hyundai Motor Group’s core technological capabilities across the entire hydrogen value chain, from production and storage to transportation and utilization, to establish a Korean-style green hydrogen platform, while further solidifying its leading position in the next-generation water electrolysis hydrogen business.”
The project is being carried out by the HMG Construction Technology Research Institute, the integrated R&D organization of Hyundai E&C and Hyundai Engineering.
The institute is pursuing R&D synergies across four core areas — Energy, Future Housing, Smart Construction and Infrastructure — as Hyundai E&C seeks new growth engines.
Future energy is a particular focus, with research spanning hydrogen, small modular reactors (SMRs), sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), offshore wind power and biogas. The company aims to use these technologies to accelerate its transformation into a global energy player.
