Segment Analysis of Large-Diameter GRE Pipe Market: Products, Applications, and End-Users

In Business Insights
September 16, 2025

Global Large-Diameter Glass Reinforced Epoxy (GRE) Pipe market size was valued at USD 2.8 billion in 2023. The market is projected to grow from USD 3.1 billion in 2024 to USD 4.9 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.3% during the forecast period.

Large-Diameter GRE Pipes are composite pipes manufactured using glass fiber reinforcement in an epoxy resin matrix. These pipes offer superior corrosion resistance, high strength-to-weight ratio, and longevity compared to traditional metallic pipes. Their excellent mechanical properties make them ideal for demanding applications in oil and gas, chemical processing, water transportation, and industrial sectors.

The market for large-diameter GRE pipes is experiencing steady growth, driven by infrastructure development, replacement of aging metallic pipelines, and the need for corrosion-resistant solutions in harsh environments. The shift toward non-metallic piping solutions in the oil and gas sector is particularly accelerating market expansion.

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Segmentation by Product Type

The large-diameter GRE pipe market can be segmented into two primary product categories based on manufacturing technique:

1. Filament Wound GRE Pipes

Filament wound pipes are manufactured by winding continuous glass fibers impregnated with epoxy resin around a rotating mandrel. This method provides excellent hoop strength and is the most common manufacturing technique for large-diameter GRE pipes.

  • Market Insight: Filament wound pipes account for approximately 65% of the market share due to their cost-effectiveness for high-volume production and balanced mechanical properties. They are widely used in water transportation, industrial processing, and moderate pressure oil and gas applications.

  • Trend: Recent advancements in automated filament winding technology are enabling manufacturers to produce pipes with more precise fiber orientation and resin distribution, improving overall product quality and consistency.

2. Centrifugally Cast GRE Pipes

Centrifugal casting produces pipes by rotating a mold at high speed while introducing resin and glass fibers. This method creates pipes with superior internal surface finish and excellent corrosion resistance.

  • Market Insight: Centrifugally cast pipes are preferred for highly corrosive applications in chemical processing and offshore oil and gas. Though more expensive than filament wound pipes, their smooth internal surface reduces friction losses in fluid transport.

  • Trend: The offshore oil and gas sector is increasingly adopting centrifugally cast GRE pipes for seawater injection and produced water handling systems due to their proven performance in marine environments.

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Segmentation by Application

Large-diameter GRE pipes serve critical functions across multiple industries, with each application sector presenting unique requirements:

1. Oil and Gas

The oil and gas industry is the largest application segment for large-diameter GRE pipes, using them for produced water disposal, injection systems, gathering lines, and transmission pipelines.

  • Insight: GRE pipes solve corrosion problems in oilfield applications where CO2, H2S, and brine cause rapid degradation of metallic pipes. Their non-conductive properties also eliminate electrolytic corrosion issues.

  • Trend: The shift toward unconventional oil and gas development (shale, tight oil) is driving demand as operators seek durable piping solutions for corrosive produced fluids.

2. Water and Wastewater

Municipal water supply, sewage systems, and desalination plants utilize large-diameter GRE pipes for their corrosion resistance and long service life.

  • Insight: GRE pipes are increasingly replacing concrete and ductile iron in water infrastructure projects due to their lighter weight (easier installation) and immunity to microbiologically induced corrosion.

  • Trend: Growing investments in municipal water infrastructure, particularly in Asia and the Middle East, are creating strong demand growth in this segment.

3. Chemical Processing

Chemical plants employ GRE pipes for handling corrosive chemicals, acids, and alkalis where traditional materials fail.

  • Insight: The chemical industry values GRE pipes for their chemical inertness, with specific resin formulations available for different chemical exposure conditions.

  • Trend: Expanding specialty chemical production capacities in Asia are driving demand for corrosion-resistant piping solutions in this sector.

4. Mining and Industrial

Mining operations use large-diameter GRE pipes for slurry transportation, tailings disposal, and process water systems.

  • Insight: The abrasion-resistant properties of GRE pipes make them suitable for slurry applications, while their light weight simplifies installation in remote mining locations.

  • Trend: Increasing mining activities for battery metals (lithium, cobalt) are creating new opportunities for GRE pipe manufacturers.

5. Power Generation

Power plants utilize GRE pipes for cooling water systems, flue gas desulfurization (FGD), and other auxiliary systems.

  • Insight: GRE pipes offer excellent performance in power plant applications where warm, chemically treated cooling water accelerates corrosion of metallic alternatives.

  • Trend: The growing implementation of FGD systems in coal-fired power plants, particularly in developing countries, is boosting demand.

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Segmentation by End-User

1. Oil and Gas Companies

Oil producers and midstream operators are major consumers of large-diameter GRE pipes, particularly for corrosive service applications.

  • Insight: The total cost of ownership (considering installation, maintenance, and longevity) makes GRE pipes economically attractive despite higher initial costs compared to carbon steel.

  • Trend: Digital oilfield technologies are driving adoption as GRE pipes integrate well with modern monitoring systems while eliminating cathodic protection requirements.

2. Water Utilities

Municipal water authorities and private water companies use GRE pipes to upgrade aging infrastructure and build new systems.

  • Insight: Water utilities are shifting to GRE pipes to reduce leaks and maintenance costs, especially in areas with aggressive soils or water chemistry.

  • Trend: Public-private partnerships in water infrastructure projects are creating opportunities for GRE pipe suppliers to participate in large-scale developments.

3. Engineering, Procurement & Construction (EPC) Firms

EPC contractors specify and install GRE piping systems for industrial and infrastructure projects worldwide.

  • Insight: EPC firms value the ease of installation and reduced construction timelines enabled by GRE pipes’ light weight and joining systems.

  • Trend: Growing EPC activity in the Middle East and Asia-Pacific regions is driving increased GRE pipe procurement.

4. Chemical Processors

Chemical manufacturers rely on GRE piping systems for their process and utility applications requiring corrosion resistance.

  • Insight: Process safety concerns with aging metallic piping are accelerating the shift to GRE alternatives in chemical plants.

  • Trend: Expanding specialty chemical production in emerging markets is creating new demand centers for large-diameter GRE pipes.

5. Mining Companies

Mining operators use GRE pipes extensively in mineral processing and waste handling applications.

  • Insight: The mining industry values GRE pipes for their resistance to both chemical corrosion and abrasion in slurry service.

  • Trend: Remote mine locations increasingly favor GRE pipes due to easier transportation and installation compared to heavier alternatives.

The large-diameter GRE pipe market demonstrates clear segmentation characteristics. By product type, filament wound pipes dominate volume while centrifugally cast pipes serve premium applications. By application, oil and gas leads current demand but water infrastructure projects are growing rapidly. By end-user, the market distributes across multiple industrial sectors, with oil companies and utilities being the primary consumers.

Read Full Report: Large-Diameter GRE Pipe Market – View in Detailed Research Report 

Download FREE Sample Report: Large-Diameter GRE Pipe Market – View in Detailed Research Report