Hyundai to set up hydrogen innovation center at IIT Madras
Hyundai Motor India is establishing a hydrogen innovation center at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras. The facility will be built on a 65,000-sqft plot at the Thaiyur campus of IIT Madras, located on the outskirts of Chennai. The foundation stone for this project was laid by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, during the Tamil Nadu Investment Conclave held earlier today.
Hyundai's ₹180 crore investment
Hyundai is investing ₹180 crore in the development and construction of the hydrogen innovation center. This initiative aligns with Hyundai's vision of 'Progress for Humanity,' aiming to advance hydrogen technology for mass-mobility solutions. The project is a collaboration between HMIL, the state government-backed investment promotion agency Guidance Tamil Nadu, and IIT Madras.
Center to boost hydrogen ecosystem and alternate fuel use
The hydrogen innovation center aims to strengthen Tamil Nadu as a hub of automotive innovation and promote advancements in alternate fuels. "IIT Madras has continued to be the forerunner in India's transformation into a technology and innovation superpower," said Professor V Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras. He added that the center would be a catalyst for hydrogen technology innovations, creating a robust ecosystem for start-ups and researchers.
Impact on environment and workforce development
The center is expected to help reduce Tamil Nadu's carbon footprint while fostering a skilled workforce for the emerging hydrogen economy. Gopalakrishnan Chathapuram Sivaramakrishnan, Whole-time Director and Chief Manufacturing Officer of HMIL expressed hope that the center would accelerate hydrogen mobility adoption in Tamil Nadu. The center will focus on electrolyzer development for green hydrogen generation, localizing manufacturing and supply chain, among other activities.
Center's facilities and operational timeline
The center will house a fuel cell test station and pilot demonstrators using electrolyzers and fuel cells. It will also feature an electrolyzer test rig, an electrolyzer/fuel cell fabrication line, a diagnostic digital twin for hydrogen infrastructure, and a hydrogen refueling station for research. The center is tipped to become operational by 2026, according to a press release from IIT Madras.
