Hyundai unveils 5 MW hydrogen system designed to produce over 700 tons annually

Hyundai Motor Group is demonstrating a robot that automatically refuels a hydrogen-powered cleaning truck, alongside modular hydrogen production systems and upgraded commercial vehicle fuel cells.

The World Hydrogen Expo 2026 opened November 4 at KINTEX in Goyang, South Korea, and runs through November 6.

Organized through Hyundai’s HTWO hydrogen brand and business platform, the display shows how production infrastructure, transportation and industrial applications could form connected hydrogen ecosystems tailored to local resources and demand.

Robot takes on truck refueling

Hyundai is presenting the first demonstration of its Automatic Charging Robot-Hydrogen, or ACR-H, for commercial vehicles. The exhibit features the system automatically refueling a fuel cell electric cleaning truck.

The robot is designed to reduce repetitive refueling tasks and make refueling more convenient for commercial vehicle drivers. It forms part of a broader display covering vehicle operation, maintenance, fleet management, and refueling.

Also making its debut is an enhanced-durability fuel cell system for commercial vehicles. Hyundai said improved cells and key components strengthen stack durability, supporting reliability during extended operation and long-distance driving.

Its Bluelink Uptime Care fleet management system allows operators to track vehicle operation and component conditions. Functions include abnormality diagnostics, preventive maintenance, and real-time alerts.

The mobility display also includes the 2027 NEXO SUV, a hydrogen-powered locomotive model and a flat-type fuel cell module illustrating potential applications in high-volume, long-distance transport.

Twelve stacks form a production module

On the production side, Hyundai is showcasing modular polymer electrolyte membrane electrolysis technology.

Twelve stacks can be combined into one 5-megawatt-class electrolyzer system module capable of producing approximately 700 metric tons (772 US tons) of hydrogen annually. According to the group, the modular architecture can scale to hundreds of megawatts.

A 1-megawatt-class containerized demonstration facility is operating in Gwangju. Additional demonstration projects are being pursued in Boryeong, Buan and Jeju.

Hyundai is also presenting waste-to-hydrogen solutions centered on HTWO Energy Cheongju. The approach converts organic waste into hydrogen as part of a circular economy model.

Other projects being pursued include a biogas-based hydrogen production facility in Paju and locally tailored initiatives in Indonesia.

Connecting hydrogen supply with demand

Beyond individual technologies, Hyundai’s exhibition presents scenarios connecting hydrogen production and consumption across cities, ports, logistics operations and manufacturing sites.

The Saemangeum AI Valley concept links solar power and electrolysis with AI data centers, a robotics manufacturing plant and an AI hydrogen city concept.

The model illustrates how hydrogen energy, AI and robotics could be integrated across urban infrastructure and services within a self-sustaining circular ecosystem.

Visitors can also board a development model of the ELEC CITY Fuel Cell low-floor intercity bus to explore its accessibility features.

Ride programs involving an enhanced UNIVERSE Fuel Cell coach and the New XCIENT Fuel Cell tractor are available to designated industry participants and media.

WHE 2026 brings together approximately 190 companies and organizations from 12 countries. Alongside the exhibition, conference and partnership programs focus on hydrogen business opportunities, project investment and international collaboration.

Hyundai said its exhibition aims to demonstrate practical hydrogen systems adapted to different regional and industrial needs.

Source: https://interestingengineering.com/energy/hyundai-hydrogen-production