Bao Gang United Steel Achieves Breakthrough in 1,000 MPa Ultra-High-Strength Hydropower Steel

As the inspectors announced the performance data of the final set of samples: "Yield strength reaching 963 MPa, tensile strength of 1,020 MPa, elongation after fracture of 18%, impact energy values exceeding 100 joules at a low-temperature environment of -40 degrees Celsius; strain aging impact energy values also all above 80 joules; 180-degree bending test passed," the mechanical properties of this batch of samples fully met the standards. "Success!" Cheers erupted as all anxious hearts were set at ease.

The successful trial production of 1,000 MPa-grade ultra-high-strength rare earth hydropower steel plates with excellent weldability marks another major breakthrough for Bao Gang United Steel in the field of high-strength steel for hydropower applications, providing robust support for the localisation of China's large-scale hydropower engineering equipment.

In recent years, global demand for clean energy has surged dramatically, with hydropower steel plates being hailed as the "backbone of hydropower equipment." As parameters such as the installed capacity and head of hydropower stations continue to increase, to reduce the wall thickness of pressure steel pipes, spiral cases, and bifurcated pipes, and to lower the difficulty of construction and welding, the tensile strength of hydropower steel plates has been elevated from 600 MPa and 800 MPa to 1,000 MPa. This strength grade is regarded as the pinnacle challenge in the field. This means that such steel can withstand a pre