In alkaline solutions, Zn will be oxidized spontaneously to Zn(OH)(4)(2-). Simultaneously, H2O will be reduced to H-2(g). The latter reaction proceeds very slowly at a Zn surface. The dissolution rate of Zn can be increased significantly by galvanic coupling of Zn to a metal, having a larger exchange current density for the hydrogen evolution reaction (her), like Pt, Pd, Ir, Co, Ni and Fe (or steel). This paper is focused on galvanic coupling of Zn to steel. It is shown that Zn(OH)(4)(2-) inhibits the her drastically, which is ascribed to the underpotential deposition (upd) of Zn on steel.