Tata Steel and Welspun Corp have successfully developed Hydrogen-compliant API X65 grade pipes. These advanced pipes have passed rigorous sour service and fracture qualification tests for the transport of 100 per cent pure gaseous hydrogen at high pressures (100 bar) at RINA, Italy.
This accomplishment places Tata Steel as the first Indian steel manufacturer to produce hot-rolled steel specifically for hydrogen transportation. Simultaneously, Welspun Corp has become the first Indian pipe mill to produce Electric Resistance Welded (ERW) pipes for this application.
The Green Energy Strategic Partnership between Tata Steel and Welspun Corp, initiated to explore the suitability of various pipes for hydrogen transport, aligns with the Government of India’s green hydrogen policy. This collaboration marks a crucial advancement towards creating a sustainable energy infrastructure.
Prabhat Kumar, Vice President, Marketing & Sales (Flat Products), Tata Steel, emphasised the importance of this achievement, stating: “We are proud to achieve this milestone in partnership with Welspun Corp since it marks a critical advancement in our journey towards clean energy solutions. Through this, we are laying the groundwork for a more robust infrastructure and ecosystem necessary for the widespread adoption of green hydrogen, thereby encouraging the transition to a greener and more sustainable future.”
Vipul Mathur, Managing Director & CEO, Welspun Corp, highlighted the broader impact of this development, saying: “WCL is continuously working towards strengthening its expanding product portfolio across the Pipe Solutions and Building Materials segments, both in India and globally while being mindful towards building a future-ready world. Our strategic partnership with Tata Steel enables us to jointly adopt and build awareness towards the usage of Green Hydrogen in our daily lives. This endeavour is in line with our ongoing efforts to strategically embed ESG drivers across our businesses, and the Government’s vision for a net-zero economy by 2070.”
The collaboration began in 2022 with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop hydrogen-compliant API grade pipes through the ERW Pipe route. In October 2022, Welspun Corp’s Longitudinal-seam Submerged Arc Welding (LSAW) pipes also successfully passed all qualification tests for hydrogen transport.
Tata Steel’s commitment to industrial decarbonization is further evidenced by its recent partnership with SMS Group to implement pioneering Coke Oven Gas (COG) Injection Technology at its Blast Furnace in Meramandali, Odisha. The company also conducted a global first trial injecting a significant quantity of hydrogen gas into its Jamshedpur Works Blast Furnace. Additional initiatives include trials of Coal Bed Methane (CBM) injection, operation of a carbon capture and utilization plant, increased use of scrap in blast furnaces, and efforts to enhance freshwater use efficiency and sustainable supply chains.
This milestone reflects the advancing capabilities of India’s green energy sector and highlights the role of industry leaders in fostering sustainable innovation.