Tata Steel pioneers hydrogen-ready steel pipes for India’s clean energy transition

Tata Steel has become the first Indian company to develop pipes specifically designed for transporting hydrogen, marking a major milestone in the country’s transition to clean energy. The company’s hydrogen-compliant API X65 pipes were processed at its Khopoli plant using steel produced at its Kalinganagar facility, meeting all critical requirements for safe and efficient hydrogen transportation.

By managing the entire production chain—from designing and manufacturing hot-rolled steel to fabricating the pipes—Tata Steel has reinforced its expertise in building essential energy infrastructure. This achievement builds on its 2024 milestone when it became the first Indian steel manufacturer to produce hot-rolled steel for gaseous hydrogen transportation.

The hydrogen qualification tests for these newly developed pipes were conducted at RINA-CSM S.p.A in Italy, a globally recognised agency for hydrogen-related testing and certification. The pipes have successfully undergone tests for transporting 100 percent pure gaseous hydrogen at high pressures of up to 100 bar, positioning Tata Steel as a key player in supporting the evolving hydrogen economy.

Prabhat Kumar, Vice-President – Marketing & Sales (Flat Products) at Tata Steel, underscored the company’s commitment to innovation in steel manufacturing. “Tata Steel has always been at the forefront of developing advanced steel grades. The successful testing of these ERW pipes highlights our ability to support the energy sector. We are proud to contribute to India’s National Hydrogen Mission, which is a key part of the country’s clean energy transition,” he said. He further added that Tata Steel is well-positioned to meet both domestic and global demand for specialised steel pipes used in hydrogen transportation.

India’s National Hydrogen Mission aims to produce at least 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of Green Hydrogen annually by 2030, with the potential to reach 10 MMT per annum to meet export demands. Achieving this ambitious target requires substantial investment in hydrogen generation and transportation infrastructure, including the development of hydrogen-compatible steel pipelines.

With the demand for hydrogen-compliant steel expected to rise from 2026-27, industry projections indicate a total requirement of 350,000 tonnes of specialised steel over the next five to seven years. While multiple methods exist for transporting hydrogen, steel pipelines remain one of the most cost-effective solutions for large-scale distribution, ensuring efficiency and safety in India’s evolving clean energy landscape.