The mood at this year’s World Hydrogen Summit was more positive than it has been for some time.
After a period of slower momentum, shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, high input costs, hydrogen pricing and policy complexity, conversations at the event pointed to renewed confidence in hydrogen’s role in future energy systems, industrial decarbonization and fuel-flexible applications.
That confidence was reflected in practical signs of progress, from new electrolyser investment to continued movement around hydrogen refuelling infrastructure and growing interest in stationary solid oxide fuel cells, partly driven by the global data centre build-out.
The discussions were optimistic, but also pragmatic. Hydrogen infrastructure still faces challenges around cost, electricity availability, grid constraints, technical readiness and supply chain confidence.
For the industry to move forward, suppliers need to meet those challenges head on, with technical knowledge, proven products and material solutions ready for the conditions hydrogen applications will face.
From ambition to application
As hydrogen projects move from ambition towards practical deployment, customers are asking more detailed questions about material performance, reliability and supply.
At the World Hydrogen Summit, Alleima’s presence across tubing, high-pressure applications and fuel cell stack materials helped show the breadth of its hydrogen-related offer.
Interest at the booth reflected that breadth. The hydrogen refuelling station model generated discussions around hydrogen infrastructure and pressure-critical applications, while pre-coated coil for bipolar plates in fuel cell stacks highlighted another area of growing interest.
Together, these conversations pointed to a market looking not only for materials, but for practical product knowledge, engineering support and supply-chain confidence across different parts of the hydrogen value chain.
Proven materials, practical support
In conversations with delegates, material selection was often linked to specific operating challenges: pressure, hydrogen embrittlement, stress-corrosion cracking, corrosion resistance and long-term reliability. Across production, distribution, refuelling and end use, the need for precision, reliability and proven performance is consistent.
Production and distribution: Alleima® 3R60 offers a stronger choice over standard 316L for hydraulic and instrumentation tubing, with a higher nickel equivalent delivering improved corrosion resistance in service. Sanicro® 31HT supports SMR pigtails under extreme temperatures, while Sanicro® 35 is suited to alkaline electrolyser environments as an alternative to higher-nickel alloys such as Nickel 200.
High-pressure infrastructure: For hydrogen refuelling and pressure-critical applications, Alleima's seamless tube portfolio includes Alleima® 3R60, Alleima® HP120 and Alleima® HP160, available in coils and fixed lengths. End-to-end services from cutting, straightening, end finishing, and technical support help customers move efficiently from material selection to deployment.
Fuel cell stack materials: Growing interest in stationary solid oxide fuel cells, driven partly by data centre demand and the appeal of fuel-flexible systems, is increasing demand for stack materials. Alleima's pre-coated coil for bipolar plates addresses this need directly.
What hydrogen needs next
Different hydrogen pathways are moving at different speeds, from refuelling infrastructure and industrial production to stationary solid oxide fuel cells, fuel-flexible systems and potential heavy-duty transport applications.
With EU CO₂ reduction targets for new heavy-duty vehicles increasing from 2030, hydrogen technology development among major OEMs, including DAF, Mercedes and MAN, also points to continued interest in hydrogen where range, payload and refuelling time are critical considerations.
Each pathway brings different requirements, but the underlying need is consistent: technical confidence, reliable supply and materials selected for the realities of the application.
As projects scale, customers need partners who understand the operating environment, can support material selection early, and can help build confidence across design, qualification, production and supply.
To discuss material selection or tube solutions for hydrogen applications, contact Alleima’s experts