Hyundai Motor builds hydrogen fuel cell factory in China

Hyundai Motor Group has commenced full-scale production at its hydrogen fuel cell system plant in Guangzhou, marking a key step in its global hydrogen strategy, South Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said on Thursday.

The Guangzhou facility, Hyundai Motor Co.'s first overseas fuel cell system plant, is designed to manufacture 100-kW fuel cell systems, mainly for its Nexo hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, with an annual production capacity of 6,500 units.

These fuel cells, produced in Guangzhou, will be supplied to local Chinese automakers for use in hydrogen car power packs and are also projected for potential future use in power generation fuel cell systems.

This development aligns with China's current emphasis on nurturing new energy vehicles, including hydrogen fuel cell cars, in an effort to foster a greener economy.

"We anticipate our endeavors contributing to both the expansion of China's hydrogen industry and the acceleration of the global hydrogen economy," the Ministry said in a statement.

As core fuel cell components from South Korea find their way into Chinese factories, an increase in Korean hydrogen sector exports is also projected.

Write to Nan-sae Bin at binthere@hankyung.com