A memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the South Australian Government and Hyundai Engineering and Construction (Hyundai E&C) will pave the way for significant collaboration between the two in renewables, hydrogen, housing and infrastructure.
The MoU was recently signed by SA’s Trade and Investment Minister Joe Szakacs, at Hyundai E&C’s headquarters in Seoul, as part of his first trade mission to Korea and Japan.
Hyundai E&C is one of the world’s leading construction and engineering firms, with almost 15,000 employees in 34 countries, and having completed more than 880 projects across 62 countries.
Established in 1947 as the origin of the Hyundai Motor Group, the company has annual revenue of $35 billion and is a major player in civil engineering and infrastructure projects around the world.
Szakacs also discussed Hyundai E&C’s significant role in Korea’s residential construction sector and opportunities to assist with delivery of South Australia’s Housing Roadmap.
The MoU establishes a significant partnership helping to facilitate future investment projects and job creation in South Australia.
SA has more than 70 per cent renewable energy in its system but has committed to 100 per cent net renewables by 2027 and to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50 per cent by 2030.
Hyundai E&C has capabilities in renewables (solar and wind farms), battery energy storage, offshore wind, hydrogen, and transmission and distribution networks.
It also has capabilities in infrastructure for roads and rail tunnels, high speed rail, bridge, maritime and port, and underground space, as well as hospital, data centre, mixed-use development, and residential high-rise housing.
The MoU opens the door for Hyundai E&C – through its strong relationship with Invest SA – to deepen its engagement with South Australian Government agencies to explore additional infrastructure projects, including in the housing sector.
“This MoU further enhances South Australia’s global standing as a leading jurisdiction in the transition to net-zero,” Szakacs said.
“This partnership with Hyundai E&C – a global industry heavyweight – demonstrates that major international players take our state’s commitment to decarbonisation seriously, and want to join with us as we pursue these ambitious goals.
“The opportunities that will be explored for investment in renewable energy, infrastructure, housing and hydrogen projects in South Australia will create additional jobs and prosperity in our state and encourage South Australian businesses and industry to decarbonise their operations.”
Szakacs highlighted the opportunities the MoU will provide to work more closely with Hyundai E&C, adding that it will drive closer engagement with South Korea.
For more renewable and solar news, subscribe to ecogeneration.