Tata Steel Creates India’s First Hydrogen-Transport Pipes

Tata Steel, a leader in India’s steel industry, has announced a breakthrough in the country’s clean energy sector by developing hydrogen-compliant pipes. The company claims to be the first Indian firm to create pipes specifically designed for transporting hydrogen, a crucial step toward advancing India’s clean energy goals.

This innovation aligns with the global movement for sustainable energy and supports India’s National Hydrogen Mission.

Development of Hydrogen-Compliant Pipes

Tata Steel’s newly developed API X65 pipes, produced at its Khopoli plant using steel from the Kalinganagar facility, meet the essential standards for safely transporting hydrogen. This development underscores Tata Steel’s commitment to innovation and to providing infrastructure for the energy sector. 

End-to-End Manufacturing Process

Tata Steel managed the entire process from designing and manufacturing the hot-rolled steel to producing the final pipes. These pipes are designed to carry pure gaseous hydrogen at high pressure (100 bar), making them ideal for large-scale hydrogen distribution. This is part of Tata Steel’s ongoing efforts to meet the evolving needs of the energy sector.

A Milestone for Tata Steel

In 2024, Tata Steel became the first Indian company to produce hot-rolled steel specifically for hydrogen transportation, solidifying its position as a leader in the steel industry. This innovation also underscores the company’s ability to address emerging energy needs.

Supporting India’s National Hydrogen Mission

The development of these hydrogen-compliant pipes plays a key role in supporting India’s National Hydrogen Mission, which aims to establish India as a global leader in green hydrogen production and export.

The mission targets producing 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030, with the potential to scale up to 10 million metric tonnes for export. Achieving these goals will require significant investments in hydrogen infrastructure, including production and transportation.

Meeting Future Demand

The demand for hydrogen-compliant steel is expected to increase significantly from 2026-27, with projections indicating a need for 350,000 tonnes of steel over the next several years.

Tata Steel’s innovation positions it to meet both domestic and global demand for specialized pipes for hydrogen transport, which is essential for large-scale distribution.

Benefits of Steel Pipelines for Hydrogen Transport

Steel pipelines are a cost-effective and efficient solution for transporting hydrogen, particularly at large scales. Tata Steel’s hydrogen-compliant pipes are engineered to withstand the challenges of high pressure and corrosion, ensuring the safe and reliable delivery of hydrogen.

Advancing the Hydrogen Economy

The development of these pipes is critical for enabling widespread hydrogen use in industries like transportation, power generation, and manufacturing. By offering a reliable way to transport hydrogen, Tata Steel’s innovation supports the integration of hydrogen into the global energy mix, reducing fossil fuel dependence and lowering carbon emissions.

Tata Steel’s Commitment to Innovation and Sustainability

Tata Steel has long been at the forefront of creating advanced steel grades for various industries. The company’s successful testing of ERW (Electric Resistance Welded) pipes for hydrogen transport demonstrates its technical expertise and commitment to supporting the energy sector.

Contributing to a Sustainable Future

Prabhat Kumar, Vice President of Marketing & Sales (Flat Products) at Tata Steel, emphasized the company’s role in supporting the National Hydrogen Mission and contributing to India’s clean energy transition. Tata Steel is poised to meet both domestic and international demand for specialized pipes for hydrogen transport.

The Path Ahead for Hydrogen in India

India’s National Hydrogen Mission is integral to the country’s strategy for energy independence and carbon neutrality. The mission aims to create a robust hydrogen economy, focusing on the production, storage, transportation, and use of hydrogen. Tata Steel’s development of hydrogen-compliant pipes is a key step in building the necessary infrastructure to realize this vision.

Collaboration and Investment

To reach the targets of the National Hydrogen Mission, cooperation between the government, private sector, and research institutions is crucial. Significant investments in research, infrastructure, and policy support will be required to scale up hydrogen production and distribution.

Tata Steel’s innovation highlights the potential for Indian companies to play a leading role in the global clean energy transition.