Angang Steel Supplies 16MnDR Steel Plates for Hydrogen Storage Tanks at Green Energy Project

Angang Steel Company Limited has completed the delivery of 16MnDR steel plates for hydrogen storage tanks at the 450 MW wind power-to-hydrogen and green methanol demonstration project in Diaobingshan, Liaoning Province. The plates, supplied exclusively by Angang Steel, have passed acceptance inspection and been installed, marking progress in the construction of the project’s core hydrogen storage facilities.

Located in Diaobingshan, Tieling City, the project is one of only nine national pilot projects for green liquid fuel technology development and industrialisation, and the only one of its kind in Liaoning Province. It is also among the first 41 hydrogen demonstration projects identified by China’s National Energy Administration. The project is expected to produce 19,000 tonnes of green hydrogen and 100,000 tonnes of green methanol annually once operational. It is designed to link renewable electricity, green hydrogen and green methanol, while making use of industrial waste gas through an adjacent-source carbon utilisation model.

The project’s 14 hydrogen storage tanks will operate under high-pressure and low-temperature conditions. Because hydrogen can permeate steel and contribute to hydrogen embrittlement, the tank materials must meet stringent requirements for strength, low-temperature toughness and resistance to hydrogen-induced cracking. The supplied 16MnDR steel plates comply with China’s national standard GB/T 713.3-2023 for pressure-vessel steel and are suitable for service at temperatures as low as -40°C. According to the company, the supplied plates’ performance indicators exceed the standard’s requirements.

To meet the project’s demanding specifications, Angang Steel drew on its integrated sales, research and development, and production capabilities. Its technical centre refined the chemical composition, precisely controlled the carbon equivalent, optimised heat treatment and refined the grain structure. These measures help the steel maintain impact toughness at -40°C and below, while improving weldability and resistance to hydrogen-induced cracking to reduce the risk of brittle fracture.

Under the coordination of the Product Development Centre, the Marketing Centre, the 4,300 mm heavy-plate production line and the Quality Inspection Centre worked together to ensure product quality and delivery. Angang Steel was selected as the project’s exclusive supplier of steel plates for the hydrogen storage tanks after competing with multiple bidders.

The supply marks a significant step for Angang Steel in the field of steel materials for hydrogen storage vessels. The company said it would continue to support China’s energy transition and the development of its hydrogen industry with high-end steel products.