DNV Awards Innovative Vacuum-Insulated Large-Scale Liquefied Hydrogen Tank Approval
Key Ideas
  • DNV awarded HD KSOE an Approval in Principle for their large-scale vacuum-insulated liquefied hydrogen tank, a significant advancement in hydrogen storage technology.
  • The development aims to provide cost-effective and safe storage solutions for liquid hydrogen, crucial for decarbonizing industries like transportation, shipping, and power generation.
  • One of the key challenges addressed by HD KSOE is the efficient maintenance of vacuum insulation in large tanks, with successful testing showcasing their innovative approach in reducing vacuum creation time.
  • Collaborations with industry players like Woodside Energy and plans for 80,000-cu.m. liquefied hydrogen carriers highlight the commitment towards an integrated maritime transportation value chain for large-scale liquid hydrogen.
DNV has recently granted an Approval in Principle (AiP) to HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) for their pioneering vacuum-insulated large-scale liquefied hydrogen tank. This development marks a significant step forward in the realm of hydrogen storage technology. The initiative by HD KSOE is focused on delivering practical and efficient storage solutions for liquefied hydrogen (LH2), which is crucial for the decarbonization of key industries such as transportation, shipping, and power generation. The project aims to develop cost-effective and flexible large-scale liquid hydrogen storage options that prioritize safety while reducing operational and capital costs. By efficiently bridging the gap between hydrogen production and consumption, large-scale storage facilities have the potential to enhance global energy resilience and accelerate the adoption of hydrogen in the energy transition. One of the major obstacles in developing large-scale LH2 storage is the maintenance of vacuum insulation in expansive tanks. HD KSOE has tackled this challenge by introducing a novel method that significantly decreases the time required to establish a vacuum, a crucial aspect in ensuring the viability of larger tanks. This innovative solution was successfully tested using a large chamber, establishing HD KSOE as the first shipbuilder globally to demonstrate the feasibility of this approach. The testing phase was overseen by representatives from prominent companies including Woodside Energy, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), Hyundai Glovis, and DNV, highlighting the industry-wide interest in advancing hydrogen storage technology. HD KSOE has also embarked on a collaborative effort with Woodside Energy to develop 80,000-cu.m. liquefied hydrogen carriers equipped with these large hydrogen tanks, underscoring a broader commitment to establishing an integrated maritime transportation value chain for large-scale liquid hydrogen. This strategic partnership and the recent AiP from DNV signify a positive trajectory towards enhancing hydrogen storage capabilities and advancing sustainable solutions in the maritime and energy sectors.
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