Tata Steel has been honoured with the 63rd R&D 100 Award in the Mechanical/Material category for its “Design and Development of API X65 pipe for hydrogen transportation.” The innovation was led by the Company’s Product Development Research Group under its Research and Development Division. This recognition highlights Tata Steel’s commitment to advancing technology-driven solutions that support India’s clean energy transition.
The R&D 100 Awards, established in 1963, are globally recognised as one of the most prestigious platforms celebrating pathbreaking research and technological innovation. Often called the “Oscars of Innovation,” these awards acknowledge pioneering efforts that shape the future of science and engineering.
Commenting on the achievement, Subodh Pandey, Vice President – Technology, R&D, NMB and Graphene, Tata Steel, said “Winning the R&D 100 Award demonstrates Tata Steel’s proven capability in delivering innovative and market-relevant solutions. This recognition reinforces our focus on research and advanced technologies that position us competitively on the global stage. We are grateful to R&D World and the jury for recognising our efforts.”
Tata Steel has been actively engaged in developing hydrogen transportation solutions since the launch of India’s National Hydrogen Mission in 2022. In January 2025, the Company became the first in India to showcase end-to-end capability in designing and manufacturing hydrogen pipes. The complete process—from the design and development of hot rolled steel at the Kalinganagar plant to pipe manufacturing at the Khopoli facility—was executed in-house.
The API X65 Electric Resistance Welded (ERW) pipes developed by Tata Steel have successfully met the stringent requirements for hydrogen transportation, including qualification tests conducted by RINA-CSM S.p.A, Italy, a global leader in hydrogen testing and certification. These hydrogen-compliant pipes are capable of transporting 100% pure gaseous hydrogen at pressures up to 100 bar, marking a significant milestone in advancing India’s hydrogen economy.
Tata Steel is one of the world’s leading steel producers, with a total crude steel production capacity of 35 million tonnes per annum. The company operates across five continents, with a diverse global presence in both production and commercial activities. For FY2025, Tata Steel reported consolidated revenues of approximately $26 billion, underscoring its position as a top-tier player in the global steel industry.
The company has long been recognized for its commitment to sustainability, with ambitious goals to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2045. It is also undergoing a digital transformation, with plants in Jamshedpur, Kalinganagar, and IJmuiden receiving recognition from the World Economic Forum as Global Lighthouse facilities. These plants exemplify Tata Steel’s leadership in advanced digital manufacturing practices and its ongoing efforts to drive innovation and efficiency across its operations.
Tata Steel’s commitment to responsible steel production is reflected in its achievements, including the first ResponsibleSteel™ certification for its Jamshedpur plant, with over 90% of its steel production in India now coming from certified sites. The company has also received numerous accolades, such as the Prime Minister’s Trophy for the best-performing integrated steel plant in 2016-17 and the 2024 Steel Sustainability Champion award from worldsteel, underscoring its leadership in both sustainability and performance within the global steel sector.
