Hyundai released its annual corporate sustainability report in late June.
Covering all its operations worldwide in 2024, the 145-page report highlights its Ellabell Metaplant in five sections, including biodiversity impact and the company’s use of renewable energy. But specific talk of Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America or HMGMA dries up when it comes to water.
The report indicates that total water usage for Hyundai worldwide decreased by almost a million tons from 2023 to 2024. Tons of water used per vehicle produced also decreased, as shown in the chart reproduced below.
But HMGMA was not part of those calculations because it did not begin producing until late 2024, HMGMA spokeswoman Bianca Johnson told The Current.
Hyundai’s water use has been a point of contention. Plans to drill four new drinking water wells in Bulloch County to supply almost 7 million gallons a day of water to serve the Hyundai Metaplant and associated development in Bryan County drew fierce opposition from nearby farmers and residents. The state responded to their complaints with over $500 million in grants and low interest loans to support a plan to increase the region’s ability to treat water from the Savannah River, relieving dependence on the already-stressed Floridan aquifer. Upgrades to Savannah’s existing surface water treatment plant are expected first, followed by a new water treatment facility for Effingham County.
“HMGMA is estimated to need 4 million gallons per day once we reach full production,” Metaplant spokeswoman Johnson said. “We are not currently releasing our totals for use per vehicle as we are still in the earlier stages of production.”
But based on the company’s global average water use of 2.5 tons of water (about 1650 gallons) per vehicle, and the company’s previously reported production of 200 vehicles a day in March, HMGMA requires about 330,000 gallons of water a day. That’s also about the production limit of the well onsite at the Hyundai plant, which is operated under a permit issued to Bryan County.
The Bulloch County wells planned to provide the Metaplant with water for at least the first few years of full production are not yet in operation.
“The construction of Well One (eastern most) is mostly complete and anticipated to be operational by end of August/early September,” Angela Hendrix, spokeswoman for the Savannah Economic Development Authority told The Current. “Well Two, near Hwy 80/SR 46 is still under construction and scheduled to be completed late in the third quarter of 2025. Wells Three and Four along SR 46 are anticipated to be complete in the first quarter of 2026.”
Hyundai sustainability abroad
The sustainability report boasts about Hyundai’s water saving efforts in places like Chennai, India, which faces a water shortage.
“HMI’s manufacturing facility at Chennai aims at achieving 100% self-sustenance in water usage by 2030,” the report states. “For efficient water management, HMI has implemented a zero liquid discharge and practiced effective rainwater harvesting. Six reservoirs situated in its Chennai plant premises capable of storing nearly 350,000 tons of water, facilitate rainwater harvesting.”
It’s unclear if similar conservation efforts will be employed in Hyundai’s facility in Bryan County, which also faces water restrictions. Bryan County is in the so-called yellow zone where the state of Georgia limits new groundwater well permits due to saltwater intrusion in wells in Hilton Head.
“As mentioned in the report, the India plant was selected for this highlighted response due to that plant being exposed to high water risks,” Johnson said. “It was determined to be a success. Plans for how this could potentially be replicated in other plants throughout the world have not been released.”
There are plans to use partially treated wastewater for irrigation at Hyundai.
“While HMGMA continues to grow toward full production, we continue to look toward more sustainability for all environmental concerns,” Johnson said. “HMGMA has partnered with Bryan County Water and Sewer Department to reclaim treated wastewater discharge from North Bryan County’s new reclamation facility. HMGMA will use reclaimed water for irrigation on site, offsetting thousands of gallons of irrigation use from potable water sources.”
The Ogeechee Riverkeeper, which has been tracking Hyundai’s water permitting and use, wants the company to bring its best sustainability practices to Georgia.
“In reviewing the report, we noted that they highlight their plants around the world that have implemented water recycling and reclamation in their processes, which means it can be done,” said Meaghan Gerard, communications and administrative director. “ORK encourages HMGMA to repeat those proven steps in Bryan County to reduce the demand on groundwater in the area.
“We also encourage transparency and look forward to seeing similar detailed stats regarding their water usage and Hyundai’s suggestions for impact mitigation at the HMGMA location as they have for other plant locations.”
The Tide brings regular notes and observations on news and events by The Current staff.
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