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An AI-generated image of a water electrolysis hydrogen plant facility powered by renewable energy. / Hyundai E&C

Hyundai E&C is moving to bolster its competitiveness in the next-generation hydrogen business by securing design technologies for large-capacity water electrolysis plants.

On the 18th, Hyundai E&C announced its participation in a state-led project promoted by the Ministry of Climate, Environment and Energy, titled "Development of Design Technology for Large-Capacity Water Electrolysis Plants of 100 MW or Greater."

Technology development to maximize renewable energy utilization, along with large-scale plant standardization and system optimization, has recently emerged as a pivotal challenge in the water electrolysis market. Through this initiative, Hyundai E&C plans to secure integrated capabilities for large-scale, renewable-energy-linked hydrogen production systems while sharpening its responsiveness to market shifts.

The project pursues the development of a design package for water electrolysis plants aimed at mass hydrogen production. It aims to develop a comprehensive solution spanning system and core process engineering through operational configurations, securing technology refined to a level ready for demonstration and commercialization.

Participating as the lead contractor, Hyundai E&C has formed a consortium with Hyundai Engineering, Hyundai Motor Company, Hanwha Global, Korea Midland Power, the Institute of Future Standard Research, Seoul National University, and Korea University to carry out the project. Hyundai E&C will oversee the development of the front-end engineering design (FEED) package and economic feasibility evaluations.

In particular, the consortium plans to apply artificial intelligence (AI) and dynamic simulation models to tackle the output intermittency of renewable energy while boosting operational stability and plant reliability.

Hyundai E&C has built a track record of relevant technologies and operational expertise, having executed the Buan hydrogen production base construction project in North Jeolla Province and spearheaded the development of a 5 MW plant-scale polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) water electrolysis system on Jeju Island.

An official from Hyundai E&C said, "The outcomes secured through this R&D will serve as a core asset to sharpen our bidding competitiveness in domestic and overseas water electrolysis projects going forward," adding, "The HMG Construction Technology Research Institute, which is leading this initiative, will bring together Hyundai Motor Group's technological capabilities across the entire hydrogen lifecycle—production, storage, transport, and utilization—to build a Korean green hydrogen platform and solidify our front-runner status in next-generation water electrolysis hydrogen business."

Meanwhile, the HMG Construction Technology Research Institute, an integrated R&D organization of Hyundai E&C and Hyundai Engineering, has been enhancing research capabilities centered on four core areas to secure future growth engines: Energy, Future Housing, Smart Construction, and Infrastructure. It plans to concentrate research efforts on future energy sectors including hydrogen, small modular reactors (SMRs), sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), offshore wind, and biogas.

                                                                                                             Jeon Won-jun