Lotte Chemical Establishes Pilot Process Facility for Commercialization of Hydrogen Tanks

Approximately 1,488㎡ Facility Established on Lotte Aluminum Incheon Plant Site
In Preparation for Domestic Hydrogen Vehicle Market Expansion

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Yoon-joo] Lotte Chemical is establishing a pilot process facility for the commercialization of hydrogen storage tanks, one of the core components, in preparation for the domestic hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) era.

Lotte Chemical announced on the 7th that it will complete the hydrogen storage tank pilot process facility in the first half of 2022 by utilizing land within Lotte Aluminum's Incheon plant.

The newly established pilot facility will cover approximately 1,488㎡. By testing and applying the hydrogen tank manufacturing technology developed by Lotte Chemical, the company decided to invest to secure a foothold for entering the hydrogen electric vehicle market.

Since 2017, Lotte Chemical has participated as one of five institutions in the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy’s industrial core technology development project titled "Development of 700bar Hydrogen Storage Tank Manufacturing Technology for Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV) Using High-Speed Filament Winding Method," initiating the development of hydrogen storage tanks.

Hydrogen storage tanks used in fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are essential core components that require safety and reliability under ultra-high pressure of about 700bar. The dry winding technology, first secured domestically by Lotte Chemical, features the design capability to laminate carbon fiber wound around an integrated polymer container and the development of a high-speed molding process, enabling mass production and lightweight hydrogen tanks.

Lotte Chemical’s hydrogen tanks have passed the basic performance evaluations required for hydrogen electric vehicles and are preparing to obtain international certifications from Europe and other overseas markets. The company plans to develop hydrogen tanks of various capacities to apply them to commercial vehicles, drones, and transportation means.

Kim Kyo-hyun, Head of Lotte Chemical BU, stated, "Through organic cooperation among affiliates within the Chemical BU, we will not only create added value in the hydrogen business but also realize the hydrogen business roadmap through active collaboration with group affiliates."

Meanwhile, on July 13, Lotte Chemical announced the eco-friendly hydrogen growth roadmap "Every Step for H2," which includes achieving carbon-neutral growth by 2030 and supplying 30% of domestic hydrogen demand. The company revealed plans to mass-produce 100,000 hydrogen tanks by 2025 and expand production to 500,000 units by 2030.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.