Corinth Pipeworks and Dillinger: Partnership for hydrogen pipeline future

Hydrogen is emerging as a pillar of Europe’s energy transition. As the EU targets 20 million tonnes of green hydrogen use by 2030, pipeline infrastructure is key. The European Hydrogen Backbone (EHB) aims to repurpose natural gas lines and build new ones dedicated to hydrogen. Two companies are at the forefront: Greek pipe producer Corinth Pipeworks (CPW) and German heavy-plate manufacturer Dillinger.

Together, they are delivering Europe’s first certified pipelines for pure hydrogen—already in operation in Poland and Italy. CPW is a global Tier 1 supplier of steel pipes, with over 90% of production geared toward energy infrastructure. In 2020, the company founded an in-house hydrogen laboratory—the only one of its kind—capable of testing pipes up to 300 bar. Certification follows the US ASME B31.12 Option B protocol, filling the gap left by the absence of EU-wide hydrogen pipeline standards.

Dillinger supplies the ultra-clean, high-strength plates essential for these projects. “With Dillinger, we know the steel will perform exactly as predicted,” says CPW’s Head of Engineering & Technology, Nikolaos Voudouris. “We rely on precise chemical composition, weldability, and low hydrogen embrittlement risk—especially in high-strength steels.”

One flagship project is an 80-kilometre pipeline in Poland for operator GAZ-System. Designed for hydrogen readiness, it uses L485ME grade steel from Dillinger, chosen for its strength-to-thickness efficiency. The pipeline was tested up to 200 bar—more than twice its operating pressure.

Italy’s SNAM network has also received over 600 km of hydrogen-certified pipe from CPW, again with Dillinger plate. “Our collaboration combines product quality, aligned sustainability goals, and technical dialogue,” says Athanassios Tazedakis, Senior Operations Director at CPW. “It’s a true partnership.”

Looking ahead, the two companies are preparing for the next frontier: offshore hydrogen pipelines. With standardisation still evolving, CPW and Dillinger are building test protocols and qualification frameworks that anticipate future demands.

Source and Photo: Dillinger