Pusan National University and Korea Institute of Materials Science Sign MOU on Liquid Hydrogen and Cryogenic Technology

"Joint Research on Next-Generation Eco-Friendly Energy Technologies"

Pusan National University (President Choi Jaewon) signed a 'Business Agreement for Liquid Hydrogen (LH₂) and Cryogenic Technology Fields' with the Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS) at the university headquarters on the 16th.

Through this agreement, the two institutions have decided to establish a mutual cooperation system in various areas, including △technical exchange and cooperation in the fields of liquid hydrogen (LH) and cryogenic technology, △international joint research and talent development in liquid hydrogen, and △academic activities and information exchange in liquid hydrogen and cryogenic engineering.

In particular, the two institutions plan to strengthen their joint research and mutual cooperation in the development of next-generation eco-friendly energy technologies to be selected for the National Research Laboratory (NRL 2.0) project.

The 'National Research Laboratory (NRL 2.0) Project' is a program promoted by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Ministry of Education to foster research institutes that lead world-first and world-best innovative research by utilizing excellent research personnel and infrastructure in university's strong fields. This year, four laboratories nationwide will be selected and each will receive KRW 10 billion annually for 10 years, totaling KRW 100 billion per institute.

The Hydrogen Ship Technology Center at Pusan National University (Director Lee Jaemyung, Professor of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering), which is striving to attract the national research laboratory project in the field of liquid hydrogen and cryogenic technology, is conducting comprehensive research and development covering the entire value chain of hydrogen ships, from the design, production, and performance verification of cryogenic equipment for hydrogen ships to ship construction.

Last year, it was selected as the lead institution for the 'Development of Core Technologies for Commercialization of Liquefied Hydrogen Carriers,' the key project of 'K-Ship Super Gap Vision 2040,' and is overseeing the construction of the world's largest liquefied hydrogen carrier, 'Hydro Ocean K,' playing a pivotal role in the early entry into the hydrogen ship market.

Liquid hydrogen, which is attracting attention as a next-generation eco-friendly energy source, must be stored at minus 253 degrees Celsius, making the application of advanced technology in cryogenic environments essential. In particular, the technical difficulty of large-scale transportation is so high that there are no successful commercialization cases yet, making it a cutting-edge technology field. Through this project, Pusan National University is pursuing one of the world's largest initiatives.

KIMS, which signed the agreement with Pusan National University on this day, is Korea's leading research institute specializing in materials, conducting research for the development of advanced materials and industrial support.

The combination of KIMS's advanced materials technology and the hydrogen ship research capabilities of Pusan National University's Hydrogen Ship Technology Center is expected to serve as an important cooperation model that will secure global top-tier research capabilities in the high-tech materials and components field and lead technological innovation in the domestic and international hydrogen mobility industry.

Choi Jaewon, President of Pusan National University, said, "This agreement will serve as an important milestone for Pusan National University to lead world-first and world-best innovative research with our advanced ship technology and high-level research capabilities," adding, "Through the agreement with KIMS, we look forward to achieving world-class research outcomes in the fields of liquid hydrogen and cryogenic technology."

Choi Cheoljin, President of KIMS, stated, "This agreement goes beyond simple technical exchange and aims to foster future-oriented high-level talent and regional industrial development," adding, "I hope that the excellent materials research capabilities of KIMS combined with the technological prowess of Pusan National University's Hydrogen Ship Technology Center will create a synergistic effect that contributes to improving the quality of life for the people."

Taking this agreement as an opportunity, the two institutions plan to continue their cooperation and research for the development of eco-friendly energy and the hydrogen industry by activating joint research, development, and technology exchange, as well as verifying material reliability in cryogenic environments and improving liquid hydrogen storage and transportation technologies.

Busan National University and Korea Institute of Materials Science are signing a business agreement on liquid hydrogen and cryogenic technology and taking a commemorative photo.