A Breakthrough in India’s Hydrogen Mission
Tata Steel has achieved a major milestone by becoming the first Indian steel company to develop pipes for hydrogen transportation. This accomplishment significantly advances the country’s hydrogen mission. According to a company statement, the pipes, manufactured using steel from Tata Steel’s Kalinganagar plant and processed at its Khopoli plant, successfully met all critical properties required for hydrogen transportation.
In-House Innovation and Technological Advancement
Tata Steel designed and developed the entire technology—from manufacturing hot-rolled steel to producing the pipes—completely in-house. This feat underscores the company’s expertise in delivering critical energy infrastructure.
In 2024, Tata Steel became the first Indian company to produce hot-rolled steel for transporting gaseous hydrogen. The hydrogen qualification tests were conducted at RINA-CSM S.P.A, Italy, a leading agency specializing in hydrogen-related testing and characterization.
New Pipes Meet International Standards
The newly developed hydrogen-compliant API X65 grade pipes can transport 100% pure gaseous hydrogen under high pressure (100 bar). This innovation positions Tata Steel as a leader in developing infrastructure for India’s clean energy transition.
Commitment to Energy Infrastructure Development
“Tata Steel has always been at the forefront of developing technologies for manufacturing critical steel grades. The successful testing of the new ERW pipes highlights our ability to deliver essential physical infrastructure for the domestic energy sector,” said Prabhat Kumar, Vice-President – Marketing & Sales (Flat Products), Tata Steel.
“We are proud to contribute to India’s National Hydrogen Mission, a key component of the country’s clean energy transition.”
The Legacy of Tata Group
As reported by india.com, this achievement comes months after the passing of Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of the Tata Group. He died at the age of 86 due to age-related complications at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital on October 9, 2024.
Following his demise, Noel Tata, his half-brother, was appointed as the new chairman of Tata Trusts. This charitable organization holds a 66% stake in Tata Sons, the holding company of Tata Group.
Tata Group’s Global Impact
Founded by Jamshedji Nasirwanji Tata in 1868, Tata Group began when he acquired a bankrupt oil mill for Rs 21,000 and transformed it into a cotton factory. Today, the group has evolved into a global powerhouse, with over 100 companies operating in more than 100 countries. It boasts a market capitalization of $403 billion (approximately Rs 33.7 trillion), making it one of the world’s most influential conglomerates.
