Chennai, August 21, 2024 – In a significant stride towards advancing green energy solutions, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin laid the foundation for Hyundai Motor India Limited’s (HMIL) cutting-edge Hydrogen Innovation Centre. This ambitious project, initiated at the Tamil Nadu Investors Conclave 2024, marks a strategic collaboration between HMIL, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM), and Guidance Tamil Nadu, with strong backing from the State Government.
With an investment of INR 180 Crore, this 65,000 sq. ft. facility, set to be constructed within the IIT Madras Thaiyur campus in Chennai, will be a cornerstone of hydrogen technology research and development. Expected to be fully operational by 2026, the centre is poised to drive advancements in hydrogen mobility, positioning Tamil Nadu as a leader in sustainable automotive innovation.
The groundbreaking ceremony, led by Chief Minister Stalin, included notable figures such as Dr. T R B Rajaa, Minister for Industries, and Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras. The centre will house state-of-the-art facilities, including an electrolyzer test rig for green hydrogen production, a fuel cell fabrication line, and a hydrogen refuelling station, all aimed at creating a robust hydrogen ecosystem in the region.
Gopalakrishnan Chathapuram Sivaramakrishnan, Chief Manufacturing Officer of HMIL, emphasized the company’s commitment to fostering a sustainable future through this initiative. “This innovation centre aligns with Hyundai’s global vision of ‘Progress for Humanity,’ and will be instrumental in advancing hydrogen as a clean, emission-free energy source,” he stated.
Prof. Kamakoti of IIT Madras highlighted the institute’s role in spearheading technological innovation, expressing optimism that the partnership will lead to groundbreaking discoveries in hydrogen mobility and contribute significantly to India’s energy transition.
As the world increasingly turns towards alternative fuels, this initiative by Hyundai and its partners is set to play a pivotal role in reducing carbon emissions and creating a skilled workforce for the emerging hydrogen economy in India.
