SK E&S promote logistics business based on hydrogen-powered drones

Thursday, January 20, 2022

The SK E&S subsidiary of conglomerate SK Group is entering the logistics business with drones powered by hydrogen. To do so, the company will first promote small or young companies in this sector in research and development, Business Korea reports. SK E&S, a utility and energy company, plans to initially use the hydrogen-powered drones to inspect difficult-to-reach locations. These include remote gas pipelines and offshore wind farms far from the coast. As an electronic product, drones and their components are one of the product categories for which KC certification is required in order to import and use them in Korea.

Hydrogen-powered drones have a relatively long flight time due to the high energy density of hydrogen. Since they can also transport heavy loads if equipped appropriately, the drones could be used in the logistics and transport sector, for example as air taxis. SK E&S has announced that it will invest the equivalent of 15 billion US dollars in corresponding projects in the hydrogen business. In joint development work with small and medium-sized drone manufacturers, the construction of flying devices and the initial commercial operation are to be undertaken. Liquid hydrogen differs from the gas form in that it has a higher storage density and low pressure for storage.

Hydrogen-powered drones have a flight time of up to 12 hours. This is a major advantage over battery-powered drones or those powered by gas, which can only boast a flight time of 30 minutes respectively between two and three hours. In the future, hydrogen drones could be used for a wide range of applications such as remote sensing, surveillance of dangerous locations, search and rescue missions, and deliveries to islands and mountainous regions.

South Korea is considered one of the most important and innovative industrial nations in the world. To gain market access to this highly technological country, products imported into South Korea must be tested and certified. The KC mark or certificate is roughly equivalent to the European CE mark and applies to 730 different products. MPR International GmbH has solid experience in Korea certification and competent local partners. We will be pleased to advise you without obligation about the scope and procedure of a Korea certification.

If you need assistance or have any questions regarding Korean certifications like KC, KC EMC, KCs or KCs for explosion safety products, feel free to contact us any time.

Tel.: +49-69-2713769259
Email: info@korea-certification.com

Urgent questions?
Please do not hesitate to contact us via chat. You will find the chat window at the bottom right of each page (if this is not visible, please check your browser settings).

For more information you can download our free brochure “Korea Certification Made Easy – The Booklet“.