LNG's Journey to Success Offers Valuable Lessons for Hydrogen Industry

The liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry has faced numerous challenges throughout its history, including economic viability and safety concerns. However, through perseverance and innovation, it has become a pillar of the global energy market. This success story offers valuable lessons for the emerging hydrogen industry, which is struggling with barriers such as weak economic viability, infrastructure gaps, and policy uncertainty.

In the early 20th century, engineers successfully liquefied natural gas at -162°C, but the development of cost-effective materials capable of safely containing that liquid remained a major challenge. The Cleveland tragedy in 1944 highlighted the dangers of material limitations when 3.5% nickel alloy steel was used instead of stainless steel due to wartime shortages.

R&D investment led to the development of 9% nickel steel and 5083 aluminum alloy, which resist brittle fracture even at -196°C. The establishment of modern safety management systems also improved the industry's reputation. Korea played a crucial role in advancing LNG technology by overcoming the membrane system's weakness through advanced engineering design.

The hydrogen industry faces similar challenges, including hydrogen embrittlement, which requires the development of high-value-added specialty steel technologies. A 'Flexible Standardization Alliance' across related industries is also necessary to secure leadership in the global market.