Korea Advances Liquid Hydrogen Storage Tank Technology Development
18. June 2026South Korea is taking a significant step toward expanding its hydrogen infrastructure through a new government-backed research project focused on large-scale liquid hydrogen storage systems. The initiative centers on the development of advanced liquid hydrogen storage technology, a key component for supporting the country’s growing hydrogen economy and future energy transition goals.
Hyundai Engineering & Construction (Hyundai E&C) announced that it has been selected to participate in a national research and development project led by the Korea Agency for Infrastructure Technology Advancement under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. The project aims to secure essential technologies for liquid hydrogen storage, transfer, and unloading systems required for future hydrogen receiving terminals, while also validating these technologies through demonstration activities. Hydrogen storage systems usually require KGS certification in order to be approved for import and sale in Korea.
Development of Korea’s First Flat-Bottom Liquid Hydrogen Storage Tank
A major objective of the project is the development of South Korea’s first flat-bottom liquid hydrogen storage tank. This storage concept, commonly used in large-scale LNG applications, is expected to provide a foundation for future expansion to storage capacities of approximately 4,000 cubic meters and eventually 50,000 cubic meters.
The government-funded project has a budget of approximately KRW 29 billion and will run for around 45 months from April 2026 through December 2029. Hyundai E&C will collaborate with 13 additional industry, academic, and research organizations, including Korea Gas Corporation, Korea Gas Technology Corporation, and Korea Gas Safety Corporation.
Liquid hydrogen is produced by cooling gaseous hydrogen to approximately -253°C, requiring highly sophisticated insulation, structural engineering, and construction technologies to maintain cryogenic conditions. As part of the project, participants will develop metal material property databases, structural and insulation design technologies, thermal transfer and fluid flow analysis methods, and engineering design criteria for liquid hydrogen storage facilities.
Implications for Hydrogen Infrastructure and Regulatory Compliance
The project also includes the construction and demonstration of a 200-cubic-meter storage tank to evaluate storage performance, reduce boil-off gas generation, and strengthen safety technologies. These developments are expected to support future regulatory frameworks and technical requirements applicable to hydrogen storage infrastructure in Korea.
For manufacturers, engineering companies, and infrastructure developers, the initiative signals growing regulatory and technical attention toward liquid hydrogen technologies. As hydrogen demand increases, compliance with relevant Korean safety standards and certification requirements, including KGS-related provisions where applicable, will become increasingly important for market participation.
Hyundai E&C stated that while global and domestic hydrogen markets continue to expand, liquid hydrogen technology remains at an early stage of development. The company expects the project to contribute to greater technological independence in the liquid hydrogen sector, reduce reliance on overseas technologies, and strengthen the competitiveness of Korea’s hydrogen infrastructure and plant engineering industries. Further regulatory and certification updates may become available through official industry and certification news resources.
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