Hyundai E&C is leading a government-funded R&D project in South Korea to develop design technologies for large-scale water electrolysis plants of 100 MW or more.

The initiative aims to develop a comprehensive front-end engineering design (FEED) package for overseas hydrogen production facilities. The project will incorporate AI-based optimization and dynamic simulation to improve plant design and operational reliability.

Government-funded push into large-scale hydrogen production

Hyundai E&C has announced that it will lead a government-backed research and development project aimed at developing design technologies for large-scale water electrolysis plants of 100 MW or more.

The project is funded by the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, and the Korean builder said it is seeking to secure core technologies for large-scale hydrogen production linked to renewable energy.

The initiative 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 project will help it build integrated capabilities for large-scale hydrogen production while strengthening its ability to respond to changing market demands.

Focus on front-end engineering design for overseas plants.

The project, titled “Front-End Engineering Design Technology Development for 100MW-Class Overseas Water Electrolysis Plants,” aims to develop a comprehensive design package for large-scale hydrogen production facilities.

The project will cover system design, core process design, and operational configuration, supporting the development of technology for demonstration and commercialization.

The project includes the development of a front-end engineering design package and feasibility study, along with artificial intelligence and dynamic simulation models to support plant operations.

Consortium spanning industry and academia

Hyundai E&C will serve as the lead contractor, heading a consortium that comprises Hyundai Engineering, Hyundai Motor Company, Hanwha Global, Korea Midland Power, the Future Standards Research Institute, Seoul National University, and Korea University.

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.

Building on an existing hydrogen portfolio

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."

Broader energy research agenda

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.

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