Hydrogen transport

Efficient, safe, and affordable transport of green hydrogen is essential for building a sustainable hydrogen economy in Europe. Our project focuses on developing innovative solutions to transport hydrogen from where it’s produced to where it’s needed—whether in industry, homes, or transportation. The regions of the Northern Netherlands, Asturias, Upper Austria, and Rhône-Alpes are leading the way by testing innovative solutions at higher technology readiness levels (TRL 7-9) for transporting hydrogen between production sites and various end users.

Key Areas of Focus:

• Developing Hydrogen Pipelines: We are exploring and testing different options for hydrogen transportation through pipelines. In the Northern Netherlands, we’re piloting high-pressure Flexible Composite Pipes (FCP) developed by SoluForce. Unlike traditional steel pipes, these pipelines are fully certified for hydrogen transport, can be deployed more quickly and cost-effectively, and are completely permeation-free for hydrogen. Partners involved: NEC, SoluForce, HYE TS, Firan.
• Hydrogen Compression and Liquefaction: To transport and use hydrogen efficiently, it needs to be compressed or liquefied to the right pressure and quality. We’re working on innovative solutions for hydrogen compression and purification. HyET is developing electrochemical hydrogen purifier and compressor technology, which excels at filling storage containers and ensuring hydrogen meets the necessary specifications for different applications. Partners involved: NEC, HyET, SoluForce.
• Cross-Regional Collaboration: Our project involves regions like the Northern Netherlands, Asturias (Spain), Upper Austria, and Rhône-Alpes (France), each contributing unique pilot projects and studies. For example:
  • In Asturias, we’re exploring hydrogen transport options across the Aboño river, collaborating with EDP and local SMEs.
  • In Rhône-Alpes, we’re planning hydrogen and oxygen pipelines to support a synthetic methane production process, working with CNR Rhône/Vensolair and French SMEs.
  • In Upper Austria, we’re assessing hydrogen compression needs for industrial and mobility applications.
• Innovative Transport Solutions: We’re investigating the use of flexible pipelines to transport hydrogen across challenging terrains like rivers and canals, reducing the need for extensive groundworks and lowering costs. This includes optimizing drilling procedures and adapting pipelines for co-transporting other gases like oxygen and ammonia.
• Safety and Environmental Impact: All our transport solutions aim to meet the highest safety standards while minimizing environmental impact. We’re conducting thorough testing and assessments to ensure that our infrastructure is not only efficient but also safe and reliable.