Hyundai and IIT Madras Launch Green Hydrogen Research Hub in India

Hyundai teams up with IIT Madras and Tamil Nadu to supercharge green hydrogen innovation

On July 8, 2025, Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), in partnership with IIT Madras and Guidance Tamil Nadu, pulled back the curtain on an exciting new venture—the Hyundai HTWO Innovation Centre. This cutting-edge green hydrogen R&D facility, set to rise at IIT Madras’s Discovery Campus in Thaiyur, just outside Chennai, comes with an investment of Rs 180 crore (roughly USD $21 million).

So, what’s the big idea? The goal here is ambitious but crucial—bringing down the cost of hydrogen production from around $5 per kilogram to just $2. The plan is to build a fully localized hydrogen value chain, covering everything from biomass-based and electrolysis-powered hydrogen generation, all the way to hydrogen storage and setting up the right refueling infrastructure.

Driving clean mobility—and more

The HTWO Centre isn’t just about pushing forward hydrogen fuel cells for vehicles. It’s also looking at how this clean, green energy can power up entire industries. Think containerized trial systems, advanced digital twin simulations, and novel solutions for both mobility and industrial applications.

And the ripple effect? It’s going to be big. We’re talking new jobs, opportunities for small and mid-sized businesses, and even a juicy income boost for farmers who supply the biomass feedstock needed for green hydrogen production.

A model for collaboration and a win for clean energy

This isn’t just another corporate initiative—it’s a shining example of what can happen when the public sector, private companies, and top academic minds join forces. The HTWO Centre plants Tamil Nadu firmly on the map as a key player in India’s clean energy future. It’s also a nod to broader national goals, supporting both India’s Net Zero vision and the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

In short: This is a bold step toward building the future of fuel cell technology, strengthening the hydrogen infrastructure, and making green hydrogen a real, affordable option—for India and beyond.