Tata Steel Becomes India’s First to Develop Steel Pipes for Hydrogen Transport

Tata Steel

Tata Steel has become the first steel company in India to demonstrate complete capabilities in producing steel pipes designed for the transportation of hydrogen, a significant achievement aligned with the country’s National Hydrogen Mission. The pipes, made from API X65 ERW steel and processed at Tata Steel’s Khopoli plant using steel from the Kalinganagar facility, successfully met the stringent requirements for hydrogen transportation. These pipes, tested by RINA-CSM S.p.A in Italy, can safely transport 100% pure gaseous hydrogen under high pressure (100 bar).

Prabhat Kumar, Vice President of Marketing & Sales at Tata Steel, stated, “Tata Steel continues to lead in developing critical steel grades and the successful testing of these pipes highlights our ability to provide vital infrastructure for the energy sector. We are proud to contribute to India’s National Hydrogen Mission, a vital part of our country’s transition to clean energy.”

Tata Steel’s in-house Research and Development team has worked extensively on creating sustainable solutions for hydrogen transportation. The entire process, from designing the hot rolled steel to manufacturing the pipes, was executed internally. In 2024, Tata Steel also became the first Indian steelmaker to produce hot-rolled steel for hydrogen transport.

India’s National Hydrogen Mission aims to produce 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of Green Hydrogen annually by 2030, with potential expansion to 10 MMT for export. Steel pipes are expected to become an essential part of the infrastructure for transporting hydrogen, and demand for hydrogen-compliant steel will rise starting in 2026-27.

Tata Steel is one of the world’s leading steel producers, boasting an annual crude steel capacity of 35 million tonnes. With a global presence spanning five continents, the company has cemented its position as a major player in the steel industry.

In the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024, Tata Steel reported an impressive consolidated turnover of US$27.7 billion. The company employs over 78,000 people worldwide and has earned the prestigious Great Place to Work® certification, underscoring its commitment to fostering a positive work environment.

A pioneer in sustainability, Tata Steel has set an ambitious target of achieving Net Zero by 2045. The company is also at the forefront of digital transformation in the steel sector, with its Jamshedpur, Kalinganagar, and IJmuiden plants recognized as “Lighthouse” facilities by the World Economic Forum for their adoption of advanced technologies. Additionally, Tata Steel has received accolades for its efforts in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, further solidifying its reputation as an industry leader in responsible business practices.

Tata Steel’s excellence is reflected in numerous awards and recognitions. It was named a 2024 Steel Sustainability Champion by worldsteel and received the 2023 Climate Change Leadership Award from CDP. Its Jamshedpur plant made history as India’s first to achieve ResponsibleSteel™ Certification, with over 90% of the company’s steel production now originating from certified sites. Beyond sustainability, Tata Steel has been applauded for its achievements in business responsibility, financial transparency, and corporate ethics, showcasing its unwavering commitment to excellence across all aspects of its operations.