Recently, 800 MPa grade hydropower steel BT780CFH rolled off the production line of wide and thick plates at the thin plate factory and passed the welding suitability evaluation and expert appraisal. This marks the success of Baotou Steel Co., Ltd. in developing 800 MPa hydropower steel. This is a technological innovation example of Baotou Steel Group’s in-depth implementation of the strategy of “high-quality fine steel + series of rare earth steels”.

Hydropower is a mature renewable energy technology and an important component of the world's power system. It is also the main source of clean electricity and renewable electricity. Among them, pumped hydropower storage is the most mature, reliable, cleanest, and most economical energy storage method, which can solve the problem of large-scale new energy grid integration. The unique geographical advantages of my country's western region are conducive to the development of hydropower. With the promulgation of the "Medium- and Long-term Development Plan for Pumped Hydropower Storage (2021-2035)", hydropower steel, as a key basic material required for hydropower construction, has ushered in a golden period. Baotou Steel Co., Ltd. seizes the opportunity to vigorously develop hydropower steel. It has previously had a mass production capacity of 600 MPa hydropower steel, and the products have been widely recognized by users after delivery. 800 MPa grade hydroelectric steel has high strength properties and has higher requirements for low-temperature toughness, forming, and welding properties. The production process window is narrow and research and development are more difficult.

The Technology Center of Baotou Steel Co., Ltd. cooperated with the sheet factory, marketing center, and manufacturing department to formulate a new plan for the chemical composition, smelting, continuous casting, rolling, and heat treatment processes of 800 MPa hydroelectric steel, optimized and improved the process, and successfully trial-produced BT780CFH products with the maximum thickness up to 64 mm. All mechanical and process properties of the product meet the technical requirements, and the 40 mm thick steel plate has passed the welding adaptability evaluation of Harbin Welding Institute. Appraised by domestic metal materials and hydropower experts, the performance has reached the advanced level of similar domestic products and meets the conditions for engineering application.