'Industrial Convergence Regulatory Sandbox Deliberation Committee' Approval
Demonstration Exception for Road Manhole Cover Subsidence Prevention Technology
From now on, 'non-metallic piping' can be used in water electrolysis facilities that produce hydrogen. It is expected to enhance safety and productivity in the hydrogen production process. A new manhole shock prevention device has also been introduced, which is expected to reduce cases of manhole cover subsidence damage on roads.
Anion exchange membrane water electrolysis facility. [Photo by Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry]
The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) held the 'Industrial Convergence Regulatory Sandbox Deliberation Committee' with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy on the 9th and approved nine such demonstration exceptions. Five items proposed by the KCCI Sandbox Support Center were also approved.
Yesty, a semiconductor and display thermal control equipment company, received approval for a demonstration exception for an anion exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolysis facility using non-metallic piping and fittings.
According to the 'Act on the Promotion of the Hydrogen Economy and Hydrogen Safety Management (Hydrogen Act),' piping and fittings for water electrolysis facilities had to be made only of metal materials until now.
The approved piping and fittings for the water electrolysis facility will be made of non-metallic materials such as polyethylene. They have excellent corrosion resistance, chemical resistance, and insulation properties. Compared to metal, they are easier to process and assemble, reducing maintenance costs and time while increasing productivity.
The Deliberation Committee approved the demonstration exception on the condition of establishing a safety management plan and conducting safety evaluations. Yesty plans to demonstrate two AEM water electrolysis facilities in Changwon, Gyeongnam.
Jang Bok-dong, CEO of Yesty, said, "We expect that the upgraded facility will accelerate the commercialization of AEM water electrolysis facilities as it has received demonstration approval," adding, "We will contribute to the distribution and expansion of hydrogen energy, which is gaining global attention as an eco-friendly new energy."
The manhole shock prevention device made by RMC Tech also received demonstration exception approval. It is a product that prevents manhole subsidence damage on roads. The prevention device, made of high-strength new material fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP), is easily installed on manhole covers where subsidence has occurred to prevent accidents.
There is no need for road surface repair work; the prevention device is assembled and installed on existing manhole covers. This allows for faster construction at a lower cost.
The Deliberation Committee approved the demonstration exception on the condition of preparing safety accident response measures in consultation with local government road management authorities.
Kim Seok-jung, CEO of RMC Tech, said, "A way to effectively prevent safety accidents caused by manhole subsidence has been opened," adding, "It is expected to reduce complaints related to manhole maintenance from local governments and improve driver safety."
In addition, demonstration exceptions were approved for ▲ Sinsung E&S's 'Regional-level renewable energy trading and sharing model using small-scale solar power plants' and ▲ Pulmuone Food & Culture and Genesis BBQ's 'Pet-friendly restaurants.'
Choi Hyun-jong, head of the KCCI Sandbox Team, said, "The KCCI Sandbox Support Center will continue to actively support innovative products and services that face regulatory difficulties or cannot be launched due to lack of standards to be commercialized more quickly."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
