Global momentum for hydrogen is accelerating, with countries like Japan prioritizing it as a key element in their energy transition. Hydrogen is seen as a pivotal solution to Japan's renewable energy challenges, offering a low-carbon alternative that aligns with stringent safety standards and local market demands.
At Alleima, we're committed to advancing sustainable solutions in the hydrogen industry. Our participation at Smart Energy Week 2024 reinforced our dedication to shaping the future of hydrogen technology in Japan and the broader APAC region.
Challenges and opportunities in Japan's hydrogen transition
While ambitious, Japan’s transition from fossil fuels to a hydrogen-based economy faces significant challenges. One of the primary hurdles is the development of cost-effective technologies for large-scale hydrogen production, particularly liquid hydrogen and water electrolysis, to meet regional demand.
Additionally, ensuring a stable and affordable hydrogen supply chain, from production to end-use applications, remains a crucial challenge. Japan's stringent safety standards, while essential, can also hinder the adoption of hydrogen technologies, especially in terms of capital investment and the deployment of innovative solutions.
At Alleima, we see these challenges as opportunities to make an impact. Our material solutions support the hydrogen supply chain with durable, cost-effective options to help overcome these barriers and accelerate hydrogen adoption across Japan and beyond.
Powering the hydrogen economy with advanced materials
As hydrogen demand accelerates, the industry faces challenges such as high infrastructure costs and complex material requirements. Issues like high pressure and hydrogen embrittlement underscore the need for materials that are lighter, stronger, and more durable to ensure efficient, sustainable, and profitable hydrogen operations.
During Smart Energy Week 2024, we showcased specialized solutions designed to address these challenges:
- Alleima® 3R60 coiled tubing: We engaged in productive discussions about the advantages of Alleima® 3R60 compared to the steel grades recommended by the High Pressure Gas Safety Institute of Japan (KHK). This high-performance steel, with a minimum of 2.5% molybdenum and 12.5% nickel, offers superior safety and durability under high-pressure conditions. Alleima’s capability to provide coiled tubing in various grades, including Alleima® 3R60, is particularly advantageous to industries prioritizing system integrity and rapid installation, such as the hydrogen sector, as the longer lengths of smaller dimension tubes require fewer fittings and less welding.
- High-pressure tubing: Our seamless high-pressure tubes are engineered for safety and efficiency, providing excellent mechanical properties and resistance to hydrogen embrittlement. Withstanding pressures up to 60,000 psi, our high-pressure tube products are ideal for severe environments.
- Hydraulic tubing and instrumentation tubing: Our corrosion-resistant hydraulic and instrumentation tubes, available in stainless steels and nickel alloys with ODs from 1.59 to 50 mm, feature smooth surfaces, and precise tolerances to minimize leakage and ensure optimal performance. Options include 6-meter straight lengths or coiled tubing, which reduces installation costs.
These materials offer our customers an opportunity to build robust and cost-efficient hydrogen infrastructure, contributing to a sustainable energy future.
Shaping the future of hydrogen
As Japan accelerates its journey toward carbon neutrality by 2050, collaboration with material and technology providers is essential to overcoming challenges and achieving a sustainable energy future with hydrogen. Alleima is committed to leading this charge with innovative material solutions, offering advanced tubular products tailored for hydrogen storage, production, and transportation applications.
To help support our customers in Japan and beyond, we are focusing on:
- Investing in R&D to further enhance its hydrogen material solutions to support both domestic and international standards.
- Collaborate with local partners to address market-specific needs, from production to end-use applications.
- Advancing sustainabilityby continuing to develop materials that contribute to a greener future, with sustainability embedded in every aspect of production. Currently, approximately 80% of our products incorporate recycled materials, and we achieve 73.6% circularity in waste generated.
- Leveraging our world-class tube mills in China and Indiato provide localized support, shorter delivery times, and cost savings for the APAC region.
With over 160 years of experience in materials technology, Alleima is your trusted partner in overcoming the unique challenges of hydrogen applications. We understand the critical factors in hydrogen environments, from hydrogen embrittlement and pressure resistance to the complexities of storage and transportation. As a leading manufacturer of advanced stainless steel, special alloys, and industrial heating solutions, our expertise in materials technology empowers customers to enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability in hydrogen applications, paving the way for a cleaner energy future.
Let's work together to build a sustainable hydrogen future – contact us.
