WHY voestalpine Tubulars? Meeting the challenges of hydrogen with tested premium connections

1 September 2026 |

Hydrogen is widely regarded as a key enabler of the energy transition, offering significant potential to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and support the decarbonization of industry and energy systems. As hydrogen infrastructure projects continue to expand across Europe, reliability, safety, and long-term performance of pipeline systems are becoming increasingly important. Discover more in our interview series!

Thanks to its proven expertise in materials and specialized threading technologies, voestalpine Tubulars is exceptionally well-positioned for these demanding applications. For hydrogen applications, voestalpine Tubulars offers the premium connection VAhyper®. This has been extensively tested under both laboratory and field conditions and has demonstrated complete hydrogen tightness under combined loads at 100% load.

In addition to the connection performance, voestalpine Tubulars has invested heavily in material qualification. Comprehensive testing programs have assessed critical parameters such as hydrogen saturation, corrosion resistance, and material behavior under constant load. These tests provide customers with confidence that voestalpine Tubulars' seamless steel tubes can meet the stringent requirements of hydrogen storage and transportation projects.

Supporting Europe's growing hydrogen infrastructure

One of the most significant developments in the hydrogen sector is the establishment of large-scale storage infrastructure. Across Europe, hydrogen is increasingly being stored in salt caverns to provide the capacity needed to balance the supply and demand of renewable energy. Over recent years, numerous hydrogen storage projects have been completed, while additional facilities are currently under construction.

voestalpine Tubulars has established itself as a trusted partner in this growing market. Of the 13 hydrogen storage projects completed in Europe to date, the company has supplied pipe solutions to nine projects, achieving a strong market position and demonstrating its expertise in supporting critical hydrogen infrastructure.

Hydrogen has great potential as an energy carrier and is expected to play a key role in replacing fossil fuels in the future. Particularly in Europe, the focus is on developing a comprehensive hydrogen infrastructure. A major part of this infrastructure involves storing hydrogen in so-called salt caverns. Over the past few years, 13 hydrogen storage projects have been completed in Europe, while several others are currently under development. We have supplied our pipes to nine of these completed projects, which has resulted in a very strong market position and significant success in this growing sector.

Bernard Frieß, Director Business Development & Strategy at voestalpine Tubulars

Driving the hydrogen transition with advanced materials expertise

Advanced materials are at the core of every hydrogen application. Building on decades of sour service experience, voestalpine Tubulars' proprietary H₂ grades are specifically designed to meet the demanding requirements of hydrogen environments. Combined with seamless pipes, the VAhyper® premium connection, and comprehensive validation processes, these solutions help transform renewable energy into a reliable and scalable energy source.

By reducing technical risks, accelerating qualification processes, and continuously improving product performance through close collaboration with universities and hydrogen experts, voestalpine Tubulars goes far beyond the role of a traditional pipe supplier.

Advanced materials are the foundation of every hydrogen solution and application. Our proprietary H₂ grades combine decades of sour service expertise with proven hydrogen capabilities. Together with our seamless pipes, the VAhyper® premium connection, and extensive validation processes, our tubular solutions help transform renewable energy into a reliable and scalable energy source.

Thomas Reisl, Materials and Process Development

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