Hyundai Motor Group has inaugurated its pioneering, directly operated **waste-to-hydrogen production and fueling complex** in **Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province**. This significant launch marks a major stride in the company’s commitment to expanding the utilization of **clean hydrogen fuel** derived from local waste sources.
The completion ceremony for **HTWO Energy Cheongju** showcased this innovative facility, which efficiently produces **renewable hydrogen** by extracting biogas from **sewage sludge** — transforming local waste into a sustainable energy source for regional consumption. This plant exemplifies a tangible **circular economy model**.
High-profile dignitaries attended the inauguration ceremony, including **Hyundai Motor Group President Seo Gang-hyun**, Climate, Energy and Environment Vice Minister Lee Ho-hyun, North Chungcheong Province Governor Shin Yong-han, and Cheongju Mayor Lee Jang-sub, underscoring the national and regional importance of this **hydrogen infrastructure project**.
“**HTWO Energy Cheongju** embodies a true **circular economy model**, demonstrating how local waste can be transformed into **clean hydrogen energy** and efficiently consumed within the same region,” stated President Seo Gang-hyun. “**Hyundai Motor Group** is dedicated to supporting **Cheongju** in its aspiration to become Korea’s premier inland **hydrogen business city**, leveraging this initiative as a foundation to expand our **self-sufficient hydrogen production model** to international markets.”
Spanning a 7,500-square-meter site adjacent to a public sewage treatment facility, the **HTWO Energy Cheongju complex** integrates advanced systems for comprehensive **biogas upgrading**, efficient **hydrogen extraction**, **carbon dioxide recovery and liquefaction**, **hydrogen compression and storage**, and direct **vehicle fueling**. This comprehensive design ensures a seamless **hydrogen supply chain**.
Currently, the facility boasts a daily production capacity of approximately **500 kilograms of hydrogen**. This substantial output is sufficient to power around **100 Nexo hydrogen fuel cell passenger vehicles** or effectively refuel **30 hydrogen buses**, highlighting its significant contribution to **sustainable transportation**.
Looking ahead, **Hyundai Motor Group** is committed to significantly scaling up the plant’s average daily **hydrogen production capacity** to an impressive **2 metric tons by 2030**, further solidifying its role in the **hydrogen economy**.
**Hyundai Motor Group** continues to forge strategic partnerships with companies, institutions, and local governments, both domestically in Korea and internationally. These collaborations focus on accelerating **waste-to-hydrogen initiatives** as a core component of its broader vision to cultivate robust, **self-sufficient hydrogen ecosystems** globally.
Within Korea, the group has successfully implemented **biogas-based clean hydrogen projects** in locations such as **Chungju, North Chungcheong Province**, and **Paju, Gyeonggi Province**. Internationally, **Hyundai Motor Group** is actively developing tailored **hydrogen ecosystem projects** in key markets and regions, including **Indonesia and Hong Kong**, adapting solutions to meet diverse local energy demands.
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