Hyundai Motor Group has signed an MOU with the South Korean government and Jeonbuk State to invest nearly KRW 9 trillion in the Saemangeum area of Gunsan City starting in 2026. The investment will focus on advancing Korea's transition to robotics, AI-driven, and energy-centric future through projects such as an AI Data Center, Robotics Manufacturing Cluster, PEM Electrolyzer Plant, Solar Power Infrastructure, and AI Hydrogen Smart City. The initiative aims to generate KRW 16 trillion and create approximately 71,000 jobs in economic effect. Saemangeum was chosen for its abundant renewable energy resources and comprehensive transportation infrastructure. Hyundai Motor Group is investing in AI data centers, robotics manufacturing clusters, and a PEM electrolyzer plant to advance physical AI, robotics manufacturing, and Korea's hydrogen economy. The AI data center will support autonomous driving and robotics with GPU computing power and massive storage. The robotics cluster will manufacture 30,000 units annually and train robots at a dedicated center. The PEM electrolyzer plant will produce clean hydrogen at scale, supporting hydrogen supply infrastructure and diverse mobility solutions. These investments aim to accelerate Korea's transition to a hydrogen economy and strengthen the domestic robotics industry. A group is planning to expand electrolyzer capacity to 1 GW domestically, with a focus on green hydrogen production. They are also developing a gigawatt-scale solar power capacity by 2035 to power their initiatives sustainably. The group aims to create an AI Hydrogen Smart City integrating AI, hydrogen, and robotics technologies. The investment in Saemangeum is expected to generate significant economic benefits and promote regional development. The group's broader strategy includes leading the Physical AI industry through collaborations with industry leaders and contributing to Korea's position as a global innovation hub.
Tag: Korea
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Hyundai Pushes The Hydrogen Fuel Cell Mobility Market
Hyundai is expanding its presence in the global fuel cell market with a range of vehicles and power stations. The company is focusing on transitioning the hydrogen supply chain from fossil fuels to renewable resources for a sustainable future. Hyundai is targeting the hydrogen fuel cell market in the US, Korea, and Europe, with a focus on electrifying public transportation, fleets, and port logistics. The growth of the fuel cell market is driven by various stakeholders promoting the hydrogen economy of the future. Hyundai and Air Liquide are partnering to build a sustainable energy ecosystem that includes hydrogen production and utilization, supporting an accelerated timetable for bringing new hydrogen technologies to the market.
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The Strange Time Compression of Sodium-Ion Battery Development
Chinese battery companies CATL and BYD, along with smaller company Beijing HiNa, are leading the global EV battery market with a focus on LFP, NMC, and sodium-ion batteries. HiNa's sodium-ion batteries have made waves in the industry, with BYD and CATL also investing in sodium-ion technology. While sodium-ion batteries have lower energy density compared to lithium competitors, they offer superior energy retention at cold temperatures. The expectation is that sodium-ion batteries may start to replace LFP batteries in the future. The advancement of SIB technology is putting pressure on traditional battery companies, such as those in Korea, to adopt the new technology or risk losing market share. The progression of battery chemistry advancements is similar to what has been seen in the evolution of EV batteries, with newer, lower-cost options replacing older technologies as they meet performance requirements.
https://cleantechnica.com/2025/11/30/the-strange-time-compression-of-sodium-ion-battery-development/
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Hyundai Motor Group Drives Next-Generation Battery Innovation with Future Mobility Battery Campus
Hyundai Motor Group is investing KRW 1.2 trillion to establish a comprehensive battery research and development hub in Anseong, Korea by the end of 2026. The Future Mobility Battery Campus aims to internalize core battery technologies, optimize EV performance, and enable seamless vehicle integration. The campus will focus on validating breakthrough technologies and developing high-performance batteries for next-generation EVs, with a goal to strengthen their EV battery competitiveness and advance global electrification through strategic collaborations. By focusing on developing next-generation battery technologies and enhancing industry collaboration, Hyundai aims to scale new technologies with confidence, reduce development risks, and unlock opportunities for innovation in the global electrification ecosystem, fostering a battery industry ecosystem and attracting related businesses for sustainable economic development.
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Hyundai Motor Group Expands EV Energy Services with Vehicle to Grid and Vehicle to Home
Hyundai Motor and Kia are expanding Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) services, including Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) and Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) services, in various regions such as Korea, Europe, and the U.S. These initiatives aim to turn electric vehicles (EVs) into essential components of the global energy ecosystem by allowing them to store, supply, and share electricity with grids and homes. By launching V2G services in the Netherlands and Korea's Jeju Island, the Group is promoting renewable energy, reducing electricity expenses for customers, and supporting grid stability. The expansion of V2H services in the U.S. will enable EVs to provide backup power during emergencies and peak-demand periods, enhancing energy resilience and promoting efficient, renewable energy use.