ArcelorMittal presents HyMatch®, a new steel grade that has been specially developed for the construction of hydrogen pipelines. The steel producer is thus responding to the increasing demand for renewable energy infrastructures. HyMatch® is designed to provide pipe manufacturers with the crucial support they need to overcome the challenges of constructing high-pressure pipelines for the safe transport of hydrogen gas.
As part of the European Union's ambitious target to produce 10 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen by 2030, there is a need for specialised infrastructure to safely manage the transport of hydrogen. Hydrogen embrittlement is a challenge that is to be met with the development of HyMatch® steels for long-distance hydrogen pipelines. These are characterised by a fine, homogeneous microstructure and a high degree of purity, which significantly reduces the risk of embrittlement.
ArcelorMittal's HyMatch® steels meet stringent industry standards, including ASME B31.12 Option B, and are currently being tested based on the latest industry guidelines. The steels are suitable for both new and existing pipeline infrastructure to be used for hydrogen transport. In addition, with XCarb® steel certificates, ArcelorMittal offers customers the opportunity to demonstrate a reduction in their Scope 3 carbon emissions.
The new steel grade is the result of extensive development work at ArcelorMittal's global research facilities, including sites in France, Germany and Belgium.
“While we have been producing line pipe steel for many decades, the new challenge the energy transition brings to pipelines is to safely transport H2 and CO2. We are therefore using our R&D and engineering expertise to develop the steel grades needed in these new applications, and are excited to be working with a number of different partners to trial our newest steel grades for the planned hydrogen pipelines”, said Laurent Plasman, CMO Industry, ArcelorMittal Europe – Flat Products.
