Sungwon Enterprise Expands 34 Years of Shipbuilding Technology into Solid Hydrogen... Leaping into 'Energy Solution Enterprise'

Upon entering the factory of Sungwon Enterprise in Busan's Gangseong-gu, towering pipes and modular structures filled the space. Workers meticulously welded thick steel plates and pipes, while a massive module for a ship's engine room was being assembled. Sungwon Enterprise is transitioning from shipbuilding equipment manufacturing to developing solid hydrogen storage and control technology. By pre-assembling components in the factory and supplying them to shipyards, the company is boosting production efficiency. These large modules also lay the groundwork for future business ventures. CEO Jeong Jong-tae stated, "The 34 years of accumulated safety design, welding, and quality management expertise will directly apply to hydrogen storage systems, connecting shipbuilding competitiveness to the hydrogen industry." Sungwon Enterprise has chosen solid hydrogen storage and supply systems as its focus. While current hydrogen storage methods rely on high-pressure gas or liquid hydrogen with safety and maintenance issues, the company is developing solid hydrogen storage technology as an alternative. Solid hydrogen, stored via metal alloys absorbing hydrogen, allows significant storage without extreme pressure and maintains stability over long periods. Sungwon Enterprise has already collaborated with the Korea Institute of Production and Technology to apply the technology in the Korea East-West Power demonstration project. The company has completed the first domestic demonstration linking solid hydrogen storage systems and hydrogen facilities under low-pressure conditions. It now possesses a 10-kg system, plans to expand to 50-kg by next year, and eventually 100-kg systems. Thermal management technology is critical, as performance varies greatly based on heat control during charging and discharging. Sungwon Enterprise is leveraging its thermal management expertise and discussing commercialization with potential clients. The company aims to expand solid hydrogen storage applications to power plants, hydrogen refueling stations, ships, building emergency power, and industrial equipment. Particularly in power generation, solid hydrogen reduces installation space while storing the same hydrogen quantity. Since its 1992 founding, Sungwon Enterprise has produced modular systems, pipes, and pressure vessels for ships and offshore plants. Last year's revenue reached 500 billion won, with major clients including Hanwha Ocean, Samsung Heavy Industries, and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries.