Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL), in collaboration with IIT Madras and Guidance Tamil Nadu, has unveiled the design for the Hyundai HTWO Innovation Centre—a state-of-the-art research and development facility dedicated to advancing green hydrogen technologies. TRB Rajaa, Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Industries, Investment Promotion and Commerce, presented the design. He highlighted the state’s commitment to fostering next-generation clean energy solutions.
Strategic Partnership with Long-Term Vision
The project is a result of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at the Tamil Nadu Global Investors Meet held in January 2024. Hyundai Motor India and its corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm, Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF), have pledged ₹100 crore toward the initiative. The total project cost is estimated at ₹180 crore.
Cutting-Edge Facility at IIT Madras’ Satellite Campus
Hyundai and IIT Madras plan to make the HTWO Innovation Centre operational by 2026 at the Discovery Satellite Campus in Thaiyur, Chennai, spanning a built-up area of 65,000 sq. ft.
The facility will feature:
*Advanced labs for both computational and experimental hydrogen research
*Pilot-scale setups for testing electrolysers and fuel cells
*Demonstration zones to showcase industrial-scale hydrogen applications
*Leaders Highlight the Centre’s Transformative Potential
The minister praised the initiative, calling it a “powerful collaboration to strengthen India’s hydrogen ecosystem.” He noted its alignment with Tamil Nadu’s broader industrial and energy goals. Unsoo Kim, Managing Director, HMIL, said the centre will enable “global-local collaboration” and foster innovation in clean mobility and green hydrogen solutions.
As reported by projectstoday.com, IIT Madras Director, Prof. V Kamakoti, emphasized the project’s strategic relevance. He stated that it will play a critical role in decarbonisation, achieving energy independence, and developing a skilled hydrogen workforce. These efforts align with India’s 2070 net-zero emissions target.
