SK E&S

 
 

“R&D in Hydrogen Drones Takes SK E&S Closer to A Hydrogen Ecosystem - The company supports research and development in “liquid hydrogen drones” well-equipped for up to more than 12 flight hours - It showcases jointly hydrogen drones with SMEs and ventures at “2021 Drone Show Korea” in Bexco, Busan - “Lightweight liquid hydrogen drone capable of long-haul flight will be the starting point in expanding hydrogen mobility in the future”

 
Liquid hydrogen drones are taking SK E&S a step closer to a larger hydrogen eco-system as the company has been expanding its business into the sectors of green energy for the future such as hydrogen and renewables.
 
On May 29, SK E&S (CEOs Yu Jeong-joon·Choo Hyung-wook) announced that it would conduct a joint research in liquid hydrogen drones with EXENS and Hylium Industries, Korean hydrogen drone producers. 
 
The energy company will also join the “2021 Drone Show Korea” in BEXCO, Busan, from May 29 to June, working with 7 liquid drone companies to jointly run “SK E&S Hydrogen Drone Cooperation Hall”, showcasing 20 types of different hydrogen drones including liquid hydrogen ones.
 
Having previously announced its plan to invest 1.8 trillion won in hydrogen business, SK E&S will use its Win-Win Cooperation Fund to support R&D of small companies and ventures for liquid hydrogen drones and to cooperate with them to commercialize the products as soon as possible.
 
Hydrogen drones are fueled by hydrogen which has high energy density allowing for long flight hours and an ability to carry heavy objects, despite being lightweight, which is why there is growing expectation for its extensive use in logistics and transportation in the future such as drone delivery and drone taxies.
 
Especially, liquid hydrogen that SK E&S focuses on the most in its hydrogen business has higher storage density compared to hydrogen gas, making lightweight fuel tanks possible. The storage pressure of liquid hydrogen is 1/100 of that of hydrogen gas, which makes it more stable. 
 
“In relative to drones powered by lithium-ion batteries or those by hydrogen gas which can fly no more than 30 minutes and two to three hours respectively, liquid hydrogen drones have an advantage of flying up to more than 12 hours. With this great advantage, these drones can perform valuable services in a wide range of areas including remote control, monitoring risks of facilities, search and rescue, and delivery to remote areas,” said an official of SK E&S.
 
The company plans to use liquid hydrogen drones for safety inspection of facilities which humans have difficulties in accessing such as city gas pipes buried in outskirts of cities and offshore windfarms. Use of liquid hydrogen drones not only provides remote or prolonged inspections but can prevent safety accidents of inspectors, serving these three different purposes at the same time, the company explained. 
 
SK E&S is attending “2021 Drone Show Korea” jointly with small businesses and ventures specializing in drones, featuring the latest hydrogen drones as well as showing, through hydrogen drones, what the hydrogen economy in the near future would look like.
 
CEO and President of SK E&S Choo Hyung-wook visited the Hydrogen Drone Cooperation Hall, taking a look at the latest trends in drones and services utilizing drones and encouraging participating businesses.   
 
“Drone using liquefied hydrogen as an energy source will be the key to making hydrogen mobility readily available in different areas in the future,” said the CEO. He added, “SK E&S will take the lead in building a broad hydrogen ecosystem encompassing production and distribution of hydrogen and its use in a variety of industries, and in growing together with small businesses and ventures owning technology.”