POSCO Achieves Localization of Steel Materials for Hydrogen Transportation

Applied to Korea's First Hydrogen Pilot City Ansan

Significantly Improved Safety Compared to Conventional Welded Steel Pipes, Withstands Impact at -45℃

Contributing to the Continuous Expansion of Eco-Friendly Energy Use as a Specialist Eco-Friendly Material Maker

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seon-sik] POSCO announced on the 19th that the steel material for hydrogen transportation, successfully developed domestically, will be applied to Ansan, the first hydrogen pilot city in Korea.

Hydrogen pilot cities are eco-friendly cities that use hydrogen energy in residential facilities and transportation. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport designated Ansan City, Ulsan Metropolitan City, and Jeonju·Wanju City as hydrogen pilot cities in 2019.

Until now, domestic hydrogen transportation pipelines have mainly used imported seamless steel pipes (seamless steel pipes made without welding) with a small diameter of 6 inches or less. However, domestic hydrogen pilot cities are designed with large-diameter pipelines of 8 inches in diameter due to the large volume of hydrogen transportation.

Generally, large-diameter steel pipes of 8 inches or more use welded steel pipes, but their use has been limited due to safety concerns at the welded joints.

Accordingly, POSCO promoted the localization of materials by newly developing steel materials that significantly improve the lifespan and safety of welded joints to withstand cracking and corrosion caused by hydrogen compared to existing materials.

The steel material developed by POSCO this time has world-class safety that can withstand impact at welded joints even at minus 45°C, and it is planned to be produced as steel pipes by domestic pipe manufacturers such as HuSteel.

Meanwhile, POSCO participated in the '2021 Hydrogen Mobility+ Show' and the '2021 Green New Deal Expo' held at KINTEX in Ilsan in September and October this year, showcasing actual hydrogen transportation pipes made with the steel materials it developed.

In addition to hydrogen pilot cities, POSCO is participating in the hydrogen convergence city development plan of Pyeongtaek City and plans to take the lead in a project to build a 700km hydrogen pipeline network nationwide by 2030 in collaboration with Korea Gas Corporation.

POSCO launched the integrated brand for eco-friendly energy steel materials, 'Greenable,' in early October, and plans to further solidify its position as a specialized maker of eco-friendly materials and contribute to the continuous expansion of eco-friendly energy use.

Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seon-sik hss79@asiae.co.kr