JFE Steel's Cutting-Edge Research in High-Pressure Hydrogen Transport Pipeline Development
Key Ideas
- JFE Steel's R&D in high-pressure hydrogen transport line pipes has been approved for Phase II of the Nippon Foundation-DeepStar Joint Project, aiming to establish safety standards for deep water hydrogen pipelines.
- The company is collaborating with major oil companies like ExxonMobil and TotalEnergies to develop evaluation criteria for using UOE pipes for hydrogen transportation, focusing on toughness properties and fracture tests in high-pressure hydrogen environments.
- Hydrogen's potential for large-scale power generation is driving the need for improved steel pipeline quality and safety standards, as hydrogen can reduce steel ductility. JFE Steel is dedicated to advancing carbon-free hydrogen use.
- The Nippon Foundation, DeepStar consortium, and JFE Steel are collectively working towards decarbonization initiatives, aiming to revolutionize hydrogen transportation and contribute to a sustainable energy future.
JFE Steel Corporation's innovative research and development efforts in the field of high-pressure hydrogen transport through line pipes have been selected for Phase II of the Nippon Foundation-DeepStar Joint Project. This project, scheduled from 2021 to 2026, aims to advance decarbonization initiatives by developing safe and reliable methods for transporting high-pressure hydrogen gas. In collaboration with ExxonMobil, Chevron, TotalEnergies, and other key players, JFE Steel will focus on evaluating the use of UOE pipes to create the world's first commercial high-pressure hydrogen deep water pipeline.
The company's Steel Research Laboratory in Chiba, Japan, will conduct crucial research on toughness properties required for high-pressure hydrogen pipelines and perform fracture toughness tests in high-pressure hydrogen environments. By leveraging Engineering Critical Assessment (ECA) processes, JFE Steel aims to enhance steel pipeline quality to meet safety standards for hydrogen transportation.
The global exploration of hydrogen's potential for power generation underscores the importance of improving steel pipeline quality and developing safety standards due to hydrogen's impact on steel ductility. JFE Steel's commitment to carbon neutrality drives its R&D efforts to support industrial customers in expanding the supply and use of carbon-free hydrogen, contributing to a sustainable energy ecosystem. The collaborative efforts of the Nippon Foundation, DeepStar consortium, and JFE Steel emphasize the collective goal of advancing decarbonization initiatives through cutting-edge technology and innovation in hydrogen transportation.