Author: Tobias Lummerich
Alleima attended this year’s Hydrogen Technology Expo Europe in Hamburg, and the conversations across the exhibition floor reflected an industry at a crossroads. While the excitement surrounding hydrogen’s rapid scale-up has eased since its early peak a few years ago, there’s now a more mature, focused approach emerging, one that prioritises cost efficiency, technical reliability, and project realism.
A more grounded but upward trend
Many discussions focused on the economic realities of green hydrogen: limited government investment and political uncertainty regarding the price gap between green and grey alternatives. However, despite these challenges, a slight upward trend is re-emerging as the industry doubles down on practical pathways to scale.
Electrolyser development continues to be a focus area. Attendees and exhibitors recognise that improving electrolyser performance and reducing costs are essential to driving wider hydrogen adoption across Europe.
Materials under pressure
As hydrogen systems evolve, particularly in high-pressure production, storage, and refuelling applications, the conversation increasingly turns to the materials that make systems safe, reliable, and efficient.
Hydrogen embrittlement, corrosion, and pressure containment remain central technical challenges. Producing high-pressure tubes and coils specifically for hydrogen service requires not only advanced metallurgy but also rigorous control over the entire manufacturing process. This is where materials expertise becomes an enabler of performance.
Alleima solutions for the hydrogen value chain
At the Alleima booth, visitors explored and discussed our tubing solutions designed to withstand hydrogen’s toughest demands. Grades such as 3R60, HP120,HP160, and HighN50 continue to prove their reliability in mitigating hydrogen embrittlement and corrosion, while supporting consistent performance under high pressure.
At the event, we showcased:
- Seamless stainless steel tubes for hydrogen refuelling, storage, and distribution systems.
- Coils and fixed lengths engineered for tight tolerances and long service life
- Custom-engineered solutions such as precision bending, cone and threading, and end finishing to meet project-specific requirements
- The Alleima TEP Machine (Tube End Preparation) enables on-site finishing and installation efficiency.
Alleima continues to combine sustainability leadership with technical excellence. With over 160 years of materials innovation, 900+ grades, and a supply chain powered by over 80% recycled steel and 96% fossil-free electricity.
Looking Ahead
Europe’s hydrogen sector may currently be in a slower phase, but the trajectory remains positive. Alleima remains a trusted partner for a safer, more efficient hydrogen future, with its proven materials and long-standing experience in hydrogen projects, from production to refuelling infrastructure.