As we start 2026, the global energy industry is entering an optimistic phase. Driven by accelerating decarbonisation, surging demand for clean fuels, and strategic investment in infrastructure, there is renewed momentum across traditional and emerging markets.
For Special Piping Materials (SPM), this evolving landscape offers major opportunities, especially in green hydrogen, sustainable infrastructure, and exotic alloy piping.
Emerging Markets and New Growth Areas
One of the most exciting developments during the past year has been the rapid expansion of green hydrogen. Hydrogen, long touted as a cornerstone of the energy transition, is increasingly being produced via electrolysis powered by renewables. As nations push for green hydrogen to decarbonise heavy industry, transport, and power generation, the need for high-performance hydrogen pipelines is rising sharply.
Pipelines carrying hydrogen must contend with unique challenges, high pressure, embrittlement risk, and purity demands. That’s where SPM’s expertise in exotic alloy piping, such as duplex, super-duplex, nickel alloys, and 6% moly, becomes critically important. These materials ensure long-term durability and resistance to hydrogen embrittlement, helping engineers build safe and reliable hydrogen infrastructure.
Simultaneously, traditional sectors have continued to modernise. Oil & gas, petrochemical, desalination, and marine industries are upgrading existing systems to use more corrosion-resistant high-specification piping. The move toward green pipe – pipework made from more sustainable, long-lived materials – is reshaping supply chains. SPM’s global stockholding of stainless steel, duplex, nickel alloy, and super-duplex materials places it in a unique position to serve both clean energy and legacy sectors.
The Role of SPM’s Global Team in Driving Energy Supply Chain Resilience
SPM’s global presence — with stock and offices in the UK, UAE (Dubai), Singapore, Australia, USA, Brazil, and more — has never been more valuable. As the global energy supply chain becomes more interconnected, SPM’s global team works seamlessly across regions to deliver consistency, quality, and speed.
During the past twelve months, our regional teams have collaborated on major projects supporting hydrogen plants, offshore wind farms, and water treatment plants. Our Dubai office, for example, has strengthened its role in the Middle East, not just in oil and gas but increasingly in desalination and green infrastructure. At the same time, our UK and Singapore operations have ramped up support for European and Asian hydrogen developers. This cross-regional coordination ensures that clients can rely on SPM exotic alloy piping wherever they operate.
Sustainability and Innovation: At the Heart of Our Strategy
Sustainability is not just a buzzword, it’s central to SPM’s way of working. We have always and, will continue to prioritise sustainable energy infrastructure by focusing on long-life, corrosion-resistant materials that reduce maintenance cycles and carbon footprints. Our commitment to green pipe solutions aligns with broader global energy themes: cleaner production, lower emissions, and resilient systems.
Innovation also remains a core driver. We are working with our mill partners to source and stock next-generation materials suited for hydrogen and next-gen nuclear, as well as other core industries. Our technical team supports clients from FEED (Front-End Engineering Design) to delivery, providing expert guidance on material selection, testing, and certification.
Strength in Diversification
Another strength for SPM this last year has been our diversified portfolio. While hydrogen pipelines offer tremendous upside, we continue to serve traditional sectors, oil & gas, desalination, FPSOs, and petrochemicals, with our extensive stock of stainless steel, duplex, super-duplex, nickel alloy, and other exotic piping products. This balanced approach gives us resilience: as demand grows in emerging markets, our legacy business continues to deliver value.
Challenges & How We’re Addressing Them
No growth is without challenges. Supply chain disruptions, geopolitical risks, and the escalating costs of raw materials remain top of mind. However, SPM’s global network helps mitigate these risks: by holding inventory in strategically located warehouses, we reduce lead times and provide flexible delivery options.
We’re always investing in quality systems, traceability, and documentation to meet the highest standards required for hydrogen infrastructure. These efforts ensure that our high-specification piping is backed by rigorous quality assurance and compliance with international codes.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for SPM and the Energy Industry
Looking forward, we expect 2026 to be a turning point for energy infrastructure. The scaling of green hydrogen plants, the rollout of hydrogen pipelines, and the modernisation of power and water systems will drive strong demand for speciality piping. SPM is well-positioned to capitalise on these trends, providing resilient, exotic alloy materials and technical expertise to projects around the world.
Our global teams will continue to coordinate closely, ensuring customers receive local service with global capacity. Meanwhile, as we expand our sustainable energy footprint, we’re also exploring partnerships in emerging markets, including new-build hydrogen and AMR (advanced modular reactor) projects.
Growth, innovation, and sustainability are all aligned here at SPM. With our global network, deep material expertise, and commitment to the future of clean energy, we’re ready to support the next wave of infrastructure transformation.