What's Happening?
Penspen, a UK-based engineering consultancy, and National Gas Transmission, which manages Britain's high-pressure gas network, have initiated a study to address hydrogen embrittlement in steel pipelines.
This collaboration aims to repurpose over 6,000 kilometers of natural gas corridors for hydrogen use, a critical step in the UK's transition to zero-emission technology. Hydrogen embrittlement occurs when atomic hydrogen infiltrates steel under pressure, compromising its strength and safety. The study focuses on using impurity gases, such as trace oxygen, to inhibit atomic hydrogen from weakening the steel. This approach could significantly enhance the durability and safety of existing pipelines, facilitating the integration of hydrogen into the energy infrastructure.
Why It's Important?
The study's significance lies in its potential to accelerate the UK's energy transition by enabling the use of existing natural gas pipelines for hydrogen transport. Building new hydrogen pipelines would be costly and time-consuming, whereas retrofitting current infrastructure with gas inhibitors could allow for immediate hydrogen blending, reducing CO2 emissions. This initiative supports the UK's ambitious net-zero targets by providing a cost-effective and timely solution for integrating green hydrogen into power generation, heavy industry, and transport sectors. The success of this study could serve as a model for other countries seeking to decarbonize their energy systems.
What's Next?
As the study progresses, Penspen and National Gas Transmission plan to develop a best-practice guide detailing optimal inhibitor mixes, monitoring strategies, and steel grade recommendations. This guide will assist operators in implementing zero-emission technology across their networks. Regulatory adjustments will be necessary to accommodate higher oxygen levels in gas quality specifications, and increased sensor arrays and inspection tools will be required to monitor inhibitor levels. The study's outcomes could significantly influence future regulatory frameworks and industry standards for hydrogen infrastructure.
Beyond the Headlines
The study addresses a critical challenge in the energy transition: the vulnerability of existing pipeline materials to hydrogen embrittlement. By leveraging decades of research and existing pipeline expertise, the initiative bridges current natural gas infrastructure with future hydrogen needs. This approach not only reduces capital expenditure but also minimizes greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a sustainable energy future. The study's success could pave the way for large-scale hydrogen production and distribution, positioning the UK as a leader in the global energy transition.
