Hyundai Steel Develops Solar Modules with Steel... Kicks Off Industry-Academia Collaboration

Next-Generation BIPV Modules Integrating Solar Power and Architecture
Hyundai Steel Collaborates with Industry and Academia
Aiming for High-Efficiency Steel-Based Solutions for Zero Energy Buildings

Hyundai Steel has embarked on the development of next-generation modules that encompass both solar power and architecture. This move is interpreted as an effort to transform steel from a simple industrial material into a resource for generating energy.

On September 5, Hyundai Steel announced that it had signed a joint technology development agreement for Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) modules with Hanwha Solutions, Lotte Construction, Samhwa Paint, Epscore, and Korea University. This collaboration is in response to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's initiative to expand the mandatory adoption of Zero Energy Buildings (ZEB).

Hyundai Steel, Hanwha Solutions, Lotte Construction, Samhwa Paint, Epscore, and Korea University personnel are taking a commemorative photo after signing an agreement. From the left: Kim Jungbae, Samhwa Paint Business General Manager; Park Sungcheol, Epscore CEO; Yoo Jaeyeol, Hanwha Solutions Korea Business Division Head; Lim Heejung, Hyundai Steel Product Development Center Director; Seok Wongyun, Lotte Construction Technology Research Institute Director; and Professor Hwang Sungho of Korea University KU-KIST Green School. Provided by Hyundai Steel

BIPV is a technology that integrates solar modules into the exterior walls or roofs of buildings and is considered a next-generation eco-friendly architectural solution. While glass has traditionally been used as the main material, the company explained that replacing it with steel can enhance durability and thermal conductivity, thereby improving power generation efficiency.

This project brings together specialized companies from various fields. Hyundai Steel and Samhwa Paint are responsible for material-level technologies, while Epscore is in charge of module product development. Hanwha Solutions and Lotte Construction provide support in the renewable energy and construction sectors, respectively, and Korea University is responsible for academic verification and consulting.

Hyundai Steel plans to develop high-efficiency BIPV modules that maximize the strengths of steel materials and to secure technologies that link these modules with building systems. Furthermore, the company is considering entry into the global eco-friendly architectural market.

A company official stated, "By integrating steel materials with solar technology, we aim to offer architectural solutions that contribute to achieving carbon neutrality," adding, "This will become a leading example of industry and academia working together to find future energy solutions."

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