Firm independently develops 100-bar high-pressure seamless pipe, hydrogen storage alloy

Hydrogen storage alloy powder developed by SeAH Besteel. [SeAH Besteel]
Hydrogen storage alloy powder developed by SeAH Besteel. [SeAH Besteel]

SeAH Besteel said Thursday it has become the first company in South Korea to secure manufacturing technology for two key hydrogen infrastructure materials: high-pressure seamless pipes and hydrogen storage alloys. The company plans to replace imports, accelerate the localization of specialty steel materials for hydrogen infrastructure and expand its push into the related market.

SeAH Besteel developed the technologies through two projects funded by the Korea Evaluation Institute of Industrial Technology — a demonstration of 100-bar high-pressure seamless pipe manufacturing and a demonstration of non-mechanical hydrogen refueling stations — conducted in partnership with the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology and other institutions. The work yielded manufacturing technology for high-pressure seamless pipe materials for hydrogen transport and hydrogen storage alloy materials for non-mechanical compressors.

Both materials mark the first time a domestic company has independently secured the relevant technology. SeAH Besteel plans to pursue commercialization after completing demonstration-plant trials and to build a stable domestic supply chain.

The 100-bar high-pressure seamless pipe is a core material for pipeline networks that safely transport gaseous hydrogen over medium and long distances. It was developed as a high-strength material with a yield strength of 485 MPa (X70 grade) and enhanced hydrogen embrittlement resistance to maintain the metal's strength in hydrogen environments. Most of South Korea's current hydrogen pipeline networks operate at low pressures below 20 bar, limiting capacity for large-volume hydrogen transport. SeAH Besteel expects the new technology to enable construction of high-pressure pipeline networks and replacement of imported materials.

Alongside this, SeAH Besteel secured manufacturing technology for hydrogen storage alloys, the key material in non-mechanical hydrogen compressors. The alloy absorbs and stores hydrogen inside a sealed vessel, then releases it at high pressure when heat is applied. Because the system requires no motor pump — unlike conventional mechanical compressors — it can reduce maintenance and installation costs and is expected to help lower the overall cost of building hydrogen refueling infrastructure.

Non-mechanical compressors using this material can compress hydrogen beyond the standard 700-bar charging pressure for hydrogen vehicles, reaching up to 900 bar, which can shorten refueling times and improve efficiency. The high construction cost of conventional mechanical compressors has long been cited as a barrier to expanding hydrogen refueling stations, and the technology is also expected to improve economic viability.

"Securing specialty steel material technology for hydrogen infrastructure will reduce import dependence and improve the economic feasibility of building hydrogen infrastructure," a SeAH Besteel official said. "We will build a stable domestic supply chain through rigorous demonstration and commercialization processes and contribute to expanding the hydrogen infrastructure supply chain."

Meanwhile, SeAH Besteel is also stepping up its eco-friendly management efforts. Last year, it became the first company in the domestic steel industry to receive the platinum rating — the highest level — of the Zero Waste to Landfill certification from UL Solutions, a global safety certification body.


eyre@heraldcorp.com